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Chandigarh: Punjab Police intensified its anti-gangster crackdown on Monday, conducting 486 raids across the state and arresting 240 individuals linked to criminal networks, officials said.
The large-scale operation is part of the ongoing campaign against organised crime launched earlier this year under the supervision of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. With the latest action, the total number of arrests has reached 24,520 since the campaign began on January 20, 2026.
During the day’s operations, police also recovered six weapons and arrested six proclaimed offenders, while 56 individuals were detained for preventive action. Out of these, 51 were released after verification, indicating targeted enforcement based on intelligence inputs.
Officials confirmed that coordinated teams from district police units, supported by specialised anti-gangster units, carried out raids at identified locations linked to criminal associates, aiming to dismantle organised crime networks across Punjab.
Authorities have urged citizens to assist in the crackdown by sharing information about gangsters and criminal activities through a dedicated helpline, allowing anonymous tips to strengthen intelligence gathering.
Drug Crackdown Continues
In a parallel operation against drug trafficking, Punjab Police arrested 132 alleged drug smugglers on Monday. Seizures included 4.1 kg heroin, 23 kg poppy husk, 704 intoxicant tablets/capsules, and ₹38,000 in suspected drug money.
The anti-drug campaign has seen over 61,000 arrests in 422 days, reflecting sustained enforcement against narcotics networks. Police also facilitated de-addiction and rehabilitation for 28 individuals, as part of efforts to curb substance abuse alongside enforcement.
The continued operations highlight Punjab Police’s focus on tackling both organised crime and drug trafficking through sustained, state-wide enforcement drives.