398 drug cases, 448 arrests in 3-month crackdown: SSP

In a determined crackdown on the drug menace, the district police, under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora, have registered 398 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 448 individuals between March 1 and June 8.

This was stated by Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora while speaking with The Tribune here today. He said the extensive campaign, aimed at curbing narcotics trafficking and drug abuse, also led to the recovery of significant quantities of banned substances and related contraband.

SSP Toora said that during this period, police teams seized five kg and 163 g of heroin, 13 kg and 300 g of poppy husk, 500 g of ganja (cannabis), 683 g and an additional 50 g of intoxicant powder, along with 21,139 intoxicant tablets. Additionally, 516 green poppy plants were uprooted and Rs 1,30,610 in suspected drug proceeds was confiscated.

SSP Toora emphasised that these results reflect the Police Department's continued focus on drug-related crime, with operations carried out based on intelligence inputs and local tip-offs. He noted that the efforts are part of a broader strategy not only to apprehend offenders but also to dismantle supply networks operating across rural and urban areas of the district.

"The fight against drugs requires unwavering commitment. These numbers represent not just enforcement but our dedication to protect future generations from the dangers of addiction," he said, urging public support in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.

The SSP also highlighted the role of community awareness and participation, stating that long-term success in tackling drug abuse will come only through cooperation between law enforcement agencies, civil society and local residents.

Police officials involved in the operations have reiterated their intention to sustain and intensify these efforts in the coming weeks. Anti-drug operations are being conducted in coordination with special task forces and local informants, with a strong emphasis on both urban hotspots and rural transit routes commonly exploited by traffickers.

While applauding the recent successes, SSP Toora also acknowledged the broader challenge posed by drug abuse, which continues to affect youth and families across the region. Rehabilitation support, education on substance misuse and preventive outreach are being pursued in parallel, often in collaboration with NGOs and local institutions.

As the campaign advances, the district police have encouraged citizens to make use of dedicated helpline numbers and online portals for anonymous reporting. SSP Toora concluded by reaffirming the police's commitment to a sustained, community-driven approach to creating a safer, drug-free society.