Punjab Police Launch Massive Anti-Drug Operation 'EAGLE-V' Across State
Over 4,000 Officers Target 512 Drug Hotspots, Resulting in 82 Arrests and Significant Narcotics Seizures
Amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted a massive state-level Cordon and Search Operation (CASO)— code-named ‘EAGLE-V’, carried out at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state.
The operation was conducted under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav from 10am to 2pm simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state and Range Officers and CPs/SSPs were directed to personally supervise the operation.
Pertinently, the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state. Police officers have been asked to trace the forward and backward linkages of all the cases being registered under the NDPS act and take strict action against those found in collusion with the drug smugglers.
Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring the operation at state-level, said that the CPs/SSPs were told to plan this operation in a meticulous manner by identifying drug hotspots in their respective districts and depute police teams led by SP/DSP rank officers to conduct raids at such areas, which have become shelter/safe haven for drug peddlers.
He said that over 518 Police teams, comprising over 4000 police personnel, have cordoned off as many as 512 drug hotspots. As many as 419 Strong Nakas were also laid at and around all the drug hotspots.
During the operation, Spl DGP Arpit Shukla said that the Police teams have registered 61 first information reports (FIRs) after arresting 82 persons. Police teams have also checked 3741 suspicious persons and verified their credentials, besides arresting four proclaimed offenders.
The massive operation resulted in recovery of 270 grams Heroin, ₹15210 drug money, 74kg poppy husk, 2kg ganja, 1868 intoxicant tablets and a huge quantity of illicit and licit liquor and lahan, he added.
