Ambala Range Inspector General (IG) Pankaj Nain announced on Wednesday that a month-long anti-drug campaign, Operation Maidan 2.0, resulted in the registration of 95 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases and the seizure of narcotics valued at over Rs 7.52 crore across Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Yamunanagar districts.
Campaign Details and Arrests
The special campaign against drugs was conducted from May 28 to June 30, 2026. According to IG Nain, the operation aimed to effectively curb the drug trade in the districts under the Ambala Range. During this period, police arrested 164 drug smugglers in connection with the 95 registered cases.
Raids conducted on the arrested individuals led to the recovery of various types of narcotics worth more than Rs 7.52 crore. Additionally, a special surveillance was maintained on the activities of previously arrested drug smugglers who had been released on bail.
Seized Contraband and Properties
The items seized during Operation Maidan 2.0 included over 2.867 kg of heroin, 8 grams of charas, 1.852 kg of opium, over 512 kg of poppy husk, nearly 23 kg of cannabis, 33.670 grams of smack, and 7,326 intoxicating capsules or tablets. Police also confiscated 200 litres of lahan (hooch) and 730 bottles of illicit liquor.
In addition to narcotics, law enforcement seized one truck, 14 motorcycles, and five cars. Cash amounting to Rs 11.54 lakh was recovered from the possession of the accused. As part of the crackdown, 17 illegal structures and properties were demolished, targeting assets linked to drug trafficking.
Surveillance Network and CCTV Integration
As part of the campaign, 209 CCTV cameras were installed across various areas of the Ambala Range. These cameras were integrated to create a comprehensive surveillance network, which IG Nain stated would be helpful in monitoring the activities of drug smugglers. The police and administration have pledged to continue stringent actions against illegal activities and assets of drug smugglers in the future.
Rehabilitation Efforts
IG Nain emphasized that alongside strict legal action, special emphasis was placed on the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with drug addiction. During the campaign, 255 drug-affected individuals received treatment and counselling, while 31 individuals suffering from severe addiction were admitted to hospitals for advanced medical care and rehabilitation.
Nain added that the police’s objective is not merely to curb drug trafficking but also to reintegrate victims of drug abuse into the mainstream and enable them to lead healthy, dignified lives.
Public Movement for a Drug-Free Society
IG Nain stated, “Operation Maidan 2.0 was not merely a special campaign, but a powerful public movement aimed at creating a drug-free society. Although this specific campaign has concluded successfully, the Ambala Range Police’s action against drug traffickers will continue in a sustained, stringent and effective manner. The drug trade will not be allowed to flourish at any level.”
He appealed to residents of the Ambala Range to cooperate with the police in ensuring the continued success of this public-participation campaign against drugs.
