Drug peddlers flee village amid crackdown

In a significant development under the anti-drug campaign "Yudh Nashian De Virudh", a comprehensive cordon and search operation (CASO) was carried out on Tuesday at Kirpalpur village, in Satnampura near Phagwara.

The operation was spearheaded by Superintendent of Police (SP), Phagwara, Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, and involved the deployment of a sizable police contingent. The CASO was aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals involved in drug smuggling and peddling within the village and surrounding areas.

Local residents and the village authorities cooperated fully with the law-enforcement teams. During the operation, the elected sarpanch of Kirpalpur revealed that several known drug smugglers and peddlers had already absconded from the village, fearing the arrest in light of the police’s ongoing crackdown.

"The fear of police action has forced these individuals to flee. The community is relieved and welcomes this strict action as we want our village to be free from the drug menace," the sarpanch stated, praising the police initiative.

SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, while briefing the media following the operation, reiterated the department’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug network from the region. “CASO is a part of a larger, sustained effort against drug trafficking. We are working on a zero-tolerance policy. No one involved in drug-related activities will be spared,” she said.

Sources within the police department confirmed that steps are being taken to initiate the legal process for the forfeiture of properties belonging to the absconding drug smugglers. Action will be taken under the provisions of relevant laws dealing with the attachment of properties derived from illicit drug trade.

The operation is seen as part of the state’s broader efforts to dismantle the drug trade infrastructure and send a strong message to those involved in narcotics trafficking. The police have vowed to continue similar operations across other vulnerable areas in the district.

Residents have expressed hope that continued and consistent enforcement will help steer the youth away from drugs and restore peace and safety in the region.