War on Drugs
DIG Gill lauds Ferozepur Range police for massive 51-Day anti-crime, anti-smuggling blitz
Ferozepur, May 21, 2025: The Ferozepur Range Police have announced a significant step forward in their efforts to curb crime and drug trafficking, detailing a robust 51-day operation that yielded substantial results. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Ferozepur Range, Harmanbir Singh Gill, addressed a press conference today to highlight the achievements of the Ferozepur Police from April 1 to May 21, 2025.
DIG Gill commended the Ferozepur Range police force, encompassing the districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran, for their outstanding contributions to Punjab's "War Against Drugs" campaign. He particularly lauded the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) for their leadership, which led to a remarkable recovery of heroin and drug money. He further revealed that ongoing investigations are focusing on backward and forward linkages of drug networks, with expectations of more recoveries as some quantities have reportedly been sold by the accused.
He said, under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the police registered 662 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 814 drug smugglers. The seizures during this period were extensive, including 155.689 kg and 489 mg of heroin, 3.599 kg of opium, 958.580 kg of poppy husk, 1,005,374 capsules, and drug money amounting to Rs. 77,45,850. Additionally, law enforcement confiscated 12 pistols, 14 magazines, 54 cartridges, 4 empty shells, 123 cars, 1 cantor, 39 bikes, 2 Activas, 4 drones, and 25 mobile phones.
Providing specific examples of success, DIG Gill highlighted the Tarn Taran police's recovery of 85 kg of heroin from Amarjot Singh alias Jot of Bhittiwind, Amritsar, who has connections with Pakistan and UK-based smugglers. In Ferozepur, 12.070 kg of heroin was seized from accused individuals Karn Kumar, Rohit, and Akashdeep of Bukan Khan Wala.
Addressing the issue of properties acquired through drug money, DIG Gill confirmed that 6 such properties were demolished, and 11 new properties have been identified for demolition, pending orders from the Competent Authority. In ongoing investigations (UI cases), 798 cases were presented in court within a year, while 1,130 untraced and cancellation reports were filed between April 1 and May 21. Furthermore, 41 proclaimed offenders (POs) were arrested in the Ferozepur Range during the same period.
Under Section 68F of the NDPS Act, 5 cases with a combined property value of Rs. 8,44,98,548 were sent for confirmation, with five cases valued at Rs. 2,80,60,000 already confirmed. The police also disposed of drugs from 45 cases, including 16.548 kg of heroin, 7.500 kg of poppy husk, and 905 pills.
DIG Gill also shed light on five encounters that took place within the Ferozepur Range, with one each in Ferozepur and Fazilka, and three in Tarn Taran. These encounters involved criminals linked to the Sheri Group, Prabh Dasuwal, Landa Harike, Satat Naushahra Gang, and Pakistan-based smugglers. Five accused were arrested in these operations, with heroin, arms and ammunition, mobiles, and bikes recovered.
The DIG acknowledged the increasing use of drones for drug smuggling across the border, noting that the dropping of drugs is now computerized, with smugglers on the Indian side collecting them for distribution. While acknowledging the beneficial uses of drone technology, he stressed its misuse by cross-border smugglers. He assured the public that the government is actively developing an anti-drone system, which, once operational, will detect and bring down drones, enabling drug seizures before they reach the hands of smugglers.
In a word of advice to the public, DIG Gill emphasized the need for parents to monitor their children, particularly after completing Plus 2, when they have more freedom in colleges and are at an impressionable age, making them vulnerable to drug addiction.
Issuing a stern warning to smugglers, DIG Gill declared that they must cease their illegal activities, or they would not be spared, as the police are prepared to go to any extent to apprehend them.
Concluding his address, DIG Gill asserted that the Ferozepur Range stands out in Punjab for its drug recovery efforts. He affirmed the police force's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug smuggling and criminal activity from the region, assuring that Ferozepur Police will continue its operations with heightened vigilance and public support.