In a month, 369 of 408 Khanna panchayats say no to drugs

‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way’. This English proverb seems correct for the police action under the ongoing war on drugs in Khanna police district. SSP Dr Jyoti Yadav echoes similar views on the massive crackdown under the state-wide “Yudh Nashian Virudh” in her province, as she said, “If you are determined to do something, you will find a way to do it.”

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As many as 369 of the total 408 village panchayats in Khanna have already said no to drugs by adopting unanimous resolutions not to let anyone consume, smuggle or peddle drugs in their villages. Nearly 150 smugglers, both big and small, have been arrested with huge cache of contraband and drug money, including foreign currency, 26 addicts are being rehabilitated, 12 properties of drug lords demolished, nine seized and village defence committees have been formed in all villages. This and much more done within a span of one month speaks volumes of the success to achieve the aim of freeing the state of drugs within three months, a fervent call given by CM Bhagwant Mann.

The woman SSP is leading from the front in the special drive against drugs by launching a major offensive against those involved in the illegal trade and reaching out to the villagers and residents of the vulnerable areas to seek their help and support.

The 2019-batch Punjab-cadre IPS officer, who took charge of the police district here on February 22, has been leading the cordon, search, and seizure operations besides holding one-to-one public interactions in the rural and urban areas, especially those notorious for drug trade.

The SSP told The Tribune that under the ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, significant efforts have been made to curb drug trafficking, enhance public awareness, and support de-addiction initiatives. She disclosed that as many as 150 smugglers have been arrested in 67 cases registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.

At least 626 raids conducted by the law enforcement agencies to nab offenders and seize narcotics led to the recovery of 54-kg poppy husk, 50 poppy plants, 1.850-kg opium, 248-gm narco powder, 225-gm heroin, 9-gm smack, 2,090 intoxicant tablets and capsules, 6.525-kg ganja, and Rs 5.82 lakh drug money besides $33.