Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], December 23 (HBTV): Haryana Police has carried out what officials describe as the most coordinated, intelligence-driven and network-disruption-focused operation against drug trafficking to date across the districts of Sirsa, Fatehabad and Dabwali since October 15.
A comparative analysis of two phases — from September 1 to October 15 and from October 16 to November 30 — indicates that the revised policing strategy has significantly disrupted entrenched drug networks. Officials said the increase in registered cases reflects the unearthing of previously concealed supply chains rather than a rise in drug-related crime.
During the second phase of the operation, 153 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered across the three districts, compared to 105 cases in the earlier period. Police said this rise demonstrates deeper penetration into drug networks that had remained largely hidden.
Arrests also increased substantially following the shift in strategy. While 257 arrests were recorded during the first 45 days, the number rose to 342 in the subsequent period. Sirsa alone saw 83 additional arrests, while Fatehabad recorded 18 more, highlighting the impact of coordinated intelligence-led raids on the drug supply chain.
Officials said supplier identification emerged as one of the most significant outcomes of the operation. During the second phase, 160 suppliers were identified and 86 arrested, compared to 91 identified and 68 arrested in the earlier period. The higher number of supplier arrests, police said, indicates a focused effort to dismantle trafficking networks at their roots.
Seizures of narcotics also increased, with police reporting a rise in heroin seizures from 1.215 kg to 1.271 kg and opium seizures from 11.97 kg to 13.714 kg. Authorities said the figures point to intensified action against high-risk, high-profit inter-state trafficking routes, particularly those linked to Rajasthan and Punjab.
The crackdown extended to the financial aspects of drug trafficking, with property attachment proceedings initiated in 27 cases during the second period, compared to 15 earlier. Police said the increased use of financial measures reflects a strategic shift toward weakening the economic foundations of criminal networks.
Action was also taken against the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. Extensive inspections led to the sealing of 23 medical stores across the three districts, compared to three in the earlier period, dealing a blow to illegal diversion of codeine- and tramadol-based drugs.
Long-term surveillance measures were strengthened, with 36 history sheets opened during the campaign, three times the number recorded in the previous phase. Police said this would enable sustained monitoring of traffickers’ movements, financial activity, travel patterns and communication networks.
In addition to enforcement, the campaign placed emphasis on rehabilitation. During the second phase, 1,138 drug victims were identified and guided toward treatment, compared to 763 earlier, marking a 49 per cent increase. Officials said the figures underscore a welfare-oriented approach alongside strict law enforcement.
Director General of Police O P Singh said the campaign marked a turning point in the state’s fight against drugs. ‘We have deepened police action, targeting not just users but the entire drug supply network. This fight is about protecting security, health and society. Bringing addicts onto treatment and rehabilitation paths is our priority. Our goal is to transform Haryana’s sensitive border districts into areas free from the scourge of drugs,’ he said.
(ANI)