The police force in Khanna, part of Punjab's Ludhiana district, has announced a decisive and overwhelming success in its intensified campaign against narcotics for the year 2025. The department registered a staggering 719 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a figure that more than triples the previous year's count, and apprehended 1,250 individuals involved in drug trafficking.
Unprecedented Seizures and Financial Hits to Drug Networks
Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Jyoti Yadav detailed the sheer scale of contraband recovered during the rigorous operations. The haul was comprehensive and significant, including over 8 kilograms of heroin, 12 kilograms of opium, and a massive 12 quintals and 59 kilograms of poppy husk. The seizure list also extended to other dangerous substances such as ganja, ice (crystal meth), capsules, tablets, and poppy plants.
In a major blow to the financial backbone of the drug trade, officers successfully confiscated drug money amounting to Rs 3.19 million (approximately $37,000). This multi-pronged attack on both the product and the profits marks a strategic shift in the region's anti-narcotics efforts.
Targeted Actions: Medical Stores, Arms, and Community Outreach
The crackdown was not limited to street-level peddlers. Police also turned their focus to potential diversion points, inspecting medical stores. This led to cases against three store owners, with authorities cancelling one drug licence and sealing two shops. The drive against commercial recoveries also saw an uptick, with 24 cases leading to 51 arrests, compared to 21 cases and 36 arrests in 2024.
Demonstrating a robust all-round performance, Khanna police also made significant strides in tackling serious crimes. Acting on orders from DGP Gaurav Yadav, they successfully traced all 171 serious crime cases and arrested 238 suspects. Under the Arms Act, 14 cases resulted in 29 arrests and the recovery of 42 pistols and revolvers, 33 magazines, and 65 cartridges. Additionally, 80 cases and 92 arrests were made for violations of the Excise Act.
Community Participation and Rehabilitation Efforts
A cornerstone of the 2025 campaign was active community involvement. Police organized an impressive 3,016 "War on Drugs" contact meetings to raise awareness and gather intelligence. Recognizing the importance of rehabilitation, the initiative facilitated treatment for 4,085 addicts at government de-addiction centres.
On-ground operations included 107 cordon-and-search missions, contributing to the declaration of 343 villages as drug-free. In a powerful use of legal provisions, properties worth Rs 1.29 crore (about $150,000) belonging to eight individuals were confiscated under Section 68F of the NDPS Act.
The dramatic escalation from the 2024 statistics—which stood at 246 NDPS cases and 332 arrests—highlights the renewed vigor and expanded scope of Khanna police's commitment to eradicating the drug menace from the district.
