The North News
Patiala, June 3
The Punjab government has opened a new anti-narcotics command centre in Patiala as part of its escalating battle against the state’s entrenched drug crisis. Inaugurated by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday, the newly built Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) facility spans 6,800 square feet and cost ₹1 crore to construct. The building, described by officials as ultra-modern, will serve as a regional operations hub for Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign.
“This centre is not just infrastructure — it’s a statement,” said Yadav. “We’re determined to dismantle drug networks using the best tools and dedicated expertise.”
Equipped with forensic data analysis software, decryption systems and even cryptocurrency tracing capabilities, the facility also houses a team of technical experts. New vehicles have been added to improve field mobility, signalling an aggressive operational posture.
Yadav said the ANTF serves as the “nucleus” of Punjab’s drug control mission, not only coordinating crackdowns but also working with other departments on treatment and prevention. “We’re going after the big fish — traffickers, financiers, and suppliers — not just petty peddlers,” he said.
Since March 2025, police have filed nearly 9,000 drug cases and arrested over 15,000 people. Seizures include 603 kg heroin, 14 tonnes of poppy husk, and ₹10.81 crore in drug-linked cash. Authorities have also frozen property worth over ₹74 crore belonging to alleged traffickers.
The campaign also seeks to reduce criminalisation of users. Yadav revealed that 1,121 individuals caught with small quantities have been sent for rehabilitation, and police have referred nearly 12,000 people to addiction treatment centres.
A major driver of public support has been the state’s ‘Safe Punjab’ chatbot, which allows citizens to confidentially report drug activity via WhatsApp. Tips from the service have already led to over 1,500 criminal cases.
The police are now evaluating the use of GPS anklets to monitor high-risk smugglers released on bail, and are building an AI system to map trafficking networks by tracing social and financial links between arrestees.
“This is more than a law enforcement effort,” said Yadav. “It’s a public health and social justice issue.”
The launch was attended by senior officers including Special DGP Kuldeep Singh, ADGP Nilabh Kishore, and DIGs of the Patiala and ANTF ranges.
