Punjab's Anti-Drug Chatbot Generates 5,562 FIRs as 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' Campaign Intensifies

Amid the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, information received from the public through Punjab’s ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp Chatbot portal (9779100200) has led to the registration of 5,562 First Information Reports (FIRs) since March 1, 2025.

The ‘Safe Punjab’ anti-drug helpline (97791-00200) is a flagship initiative of the Punjab Government, designed to provide anonymous, accessible, and non-judgmental support to individuals grappling with drug-related issues.

“The Safe Punjab Chatbot has emerged as a game-changer, receiving an overwhelming response from the public due to its confidentiality feature, which encourages individuals to report smugglers, addicts, and provide suggestions,” said Special Director General of Police (Special DGP), Law and Order, Arpit Shukla.

The Special DGP added that alongside the ongoing crackdown on drug smugglers and peddlers, the Punjab Police, under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, has also launched a special anti-drug awareness campaign to foster unity and public participation in the fight against drugs.

Detailing the initiative, Special DGP Shukla said that under this campaign, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) have been directed to organize various awareness events, including SAMPARK programmes and student interactions, across their districts to engage the public, youth, NGOs, clubs, and other stakeholders.

Since March 1, 2025, the Punjab Police has organized 1,153 SAMPARK meetings and 4,293 student meetings, he added.

Highlighting the results of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, Shukla said that since March 1, 2025, the Punjab Police has registered 17,373 FIRs, arrested 26,995 drug smugglers, and recovered 1,096 kg heroin, 380 kg opium, 23 tonnes of poppy husk, 29 kg charas, 421 kg ganja, 6 kg ICE, 3.3 kg cocaine, 32.91 lakh intoxicant pills or tablets, and ₹12.43 crore in drug money.

Meanwhile, on Day 176 of the campaign, police teams continued their cordon-and-search operations (CASO) against drugs, conducting raids at 320 locations on Sunday. These operations led to the arrest of 68 drug smugglers and the registration of 48 FIRs across the state.

The raids also resulted in the recovery of 1 kg heroin, 5,633 intoxicant tablets, capsules, and ₹23,910 in drug money from the accused. Over 120 police teams, comprising more than 1,000 personnel under the supervision of 70 gazetted officers, carried out the raids and checked 345 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.