punjab Police Intensifies Border Security; Commissionerate Police Amritsar Recovers Over 111 Kg Heroin, Busts Dubai-based Drug Cartel

Jul29,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh/amritsar

*Commissionerate Police Amritsar registers 1,137 NDPS Cases, Arrests Over 2,000 Accused Since January*

*Punjab Police Operations Achieving Massive Success Across State: DGP Gaurav Yadav*

*Amritsar Police Bust Dubai-Based Drug Cartel After Last Year’s Pakistan-Canada Network Crackdown: Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar*

As Punjab Police continues its multi-pronged campaign against drugs, gangsters and organised crime, the Commissionerate Police, Amritsar has emerged as one of the strongest examples of the force’s intelligence-led policing model. Over the last nearly seven months, the border district has delivered major successes against cross-border drug smuggling, organised crime and street crime, reinforcing public safety in one of Punjab’s most sensitive regions.

Since January this year, the Commissionerate Police has recovered over 111.5 kg of heroin, registered 1,137 NDPS cases, arrested more than 2,000 accused under various operations, dismantled a cross-border drug cartel, strengthened community policing and enhanced surveillance across the city under the Bhagwant Mann Government’s ongoing campaigns against drugs, gangsters and organised crime.

Under the anti-gangster campaign ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, the Commissionerate Police registered 63 Arms Act cases and arrested 153 accused. The sustained crackdown led to the recovery of 209 pistols/mausers, two revolvers, eight rifles/guns, 221 magazines, 536 live cartridges and ₹3.80 lakh linked to hawala transactions. Besides arresting gangsters and their associates, police also took preventive action against individuals linked to criminal organisations.

To strengthen investigations and crime detection, the Commissionerate Police has integrated advanced technology with traditional policing. The Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) is being used for identity verification, while the VAHAN database enables instant vehicle verification during nakas and search operations. A Digital Forensic Laboratory has also been established to examine mobile phones, electronic devices and digital evidence. CCTV surveillance and technology-driven intelligence have further enhanced operational efficiency and investigative capabilities.

The Commissionerate Police also dealt a major blow to cross-border drug trafficking by dismantling a Dubai-based network that smuggled heroin into Punjab through drone deliveries across the International Border. Amritsar Police recovered 30.045 kg of heroin and arrested six accused, including two juveniles.

On this, DGP Punjab Police Gaurav Yadav stated, "Various operations being run across the state by the Punjab Police have achieved a massive success. Amritsar, being the border-sharing district demands extra supervision and the Punjab Police personnel are performing their duties using a massive human and artificial intelligence."

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (Amritsar) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stated, "Last year, we busted a Pakistan- and Canada-linked international drug cartel, leading to the recovery of 60.302 kg of heroin near the International Border in Barmer, Rajasthan. It also led to the arrest of nine accused. This year, we zeroed in on a Dubai-based cartel."

As part of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the Commissionerate Police intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse by registering 1,137 NDPS cases and arresting 1,898 accused. Since January, police have recovered 111.559 kg of heroin, 11.438 kg of Ice (Methamphetamine), 9.246 kg of opium, 2.245 kg of charas, 238 grams of narcotic powder, one kg of poppy husk and 26,945 intoxicating capsules and tablets. Police also recovered ₹61.12 lakh in drug money and seized 38 vehicles used in drug trafficking.

“Alongside strict enforcement, equal emphasis has been placed on rehabilitation. The Commissionerate Police has admitted 1,553 individuals to De-Addiction Centres, while 2,443 have been referred to Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) Centres. A total of 281 individuals have also been extended the benefit of Section 64-A of the NDPS Act,” added the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar.

Recognising that public participation is central to effective policing, the Commissionerate Police organised 162 Project Sampark meetings and 83 anti-drug awareness camps-cum-seminars to strengthen police-community engagement and spread awareness against drug abuse.

“The Commissionerate Police, Amritsar has adopted a proactive, intelligence-led policing model to ensure round-the-clock public safety. A total of 86 patrol vehicles with 181 police personnel and 21 motorcycles with 25 personnel have been deployed in twin shifts for continuous patrolling and rapid response. To strengthen the city’s security grid, 19 strategically located night checkpoints, manned by 81 police personnel, have been established at all major entry and exit points with proper barricading, weapons and regular supervision by senior officers,” said Commissioner of Police, Amritsar.

The sustained enforcement drive also resulted in 82,274 traffic challans, impounding of 5,400 vehicles and issuance of 24,002 on-the-spot challans, leading to the collection of ₹44.48 lakh in fines. Preventive policing further led to 1,609 preventive actions and the detention of 2,950 individuals to maintain public order and deter criminal activity.

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