Chandigarh: Punjab Police have reported a dramatic increase in drug seizures, particularly of the synthetic drug ICE (crystal methamphetamine), which has surged by 447 percent since 2022. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav disclosed on Thursday that 93 kilograms of ICE have been seized over the last four years, compared to just 17 kilograms between 2017 and 2021.
Sharp Rise in Other Narcotics
The crackdown has also led to significant spikes in seizures of other narcotics. Heroin confiscations rose by 148 percent, with 5,979 kilograms seized recently against 2,412 kilograms in the previous five-year period. Opium seizures increased by 43 percent, totaling 3,583 kilograms.
Legal Actions Intensified
As part of the state's "war against drugs," legal actions have increased sharply. Between 2022 and 2026, police registered 73,541 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act—a 40 percent rise from the 2017-2021 period. Arrests also jumped by 45 percent, with 98,596 individuals taken into custody compared to 68,064 during the earlier period.
Focus on Pharmaceutical Abuse
Authorities have also targeted pharmaceutical drug abuse. Enforcement agencies seized 8.7 crore tablets and capsules during 2022-2026, aiming to disrupt supply chains. The DGP attributed the success to a broader strategy involving tighter investigations and improved prosecution, resulting in a conviction rate that has now reached an impressive 89 percent.
