Large haul of narcotics seized during anti-drug drive in Punj

Punjab police today claimed to have seized a large haul of narcotics and arrested over 1,000 persons during a nine-day campaign against drug menace in the state.
As many as 1,243 persons were arrested and 1,181 FIRs were registered during the anti-drug drive which was launched on May 23 and ended on May 31, an official spokesperson said today.
Police also seized 83,634 capsules, 36 kg of opium, 8 kg of cocaine and varying quantities of other drugs, along with 10.47 kg of heroin, 32.5 kg of smack, and 2,305 kg of poppy husk, an official release said.
This was the second such drive against drug menace in the state after a major one launched in mid-2014, it said, adding that it was conducted under the supervision of district Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs).

After the seizure of the haul, police is now monitoring the availability of drugs in their respective jurisdictions to ensure a complete crackdown and non-availability of drugs, he said.
The spokesman said Punjab police adopted a two-pronged strategy to combat drug trafficking in the state after a major anti-drug drive launched in mid-2014 for breaking drug retail networks in the state.
The strategy focused on complete eradication of remnants of peddling in close-knit circles of old consumer of drugs smuggled from outside state, and intercepting trans-border transit consignments has been put on ground with the objective of ensuring no availability of drugs in the state.

The spokesman claimed there was no report of new consumer or peddler indulging in drug trade during the last one year, saying availability of drugs has been controlled.