Punjab's anti-drug campaign disrupts Pakistan's ISI operations

Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Monday that the state's anti-drug initiative, "Yudh Nashian Virudh," has disturbed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He stated the state will not tolerate any threats to peace and harmony. Yadav shared that intelligence reports show the success of the anti-drug campaign has alarmed the ISI. This has led to efforts to destabilize Punjab in response. The police recently neutralized a main suspect involved in an attack at Thakur Dwara Mandir in Amritsar, showing their commitment to ensuring safety in the region. The DGP emphasized that the campaign is impacting drug operations significantly. Many drug couriers are now hesitant to work with drug shipments dropped off by Pakistani smugglers. Yadav pointed out that this indicates a major disruption in the drug supply chain. Under this campaign, the police aim to target street drug dealers while ensuring that drug users receive necessary help through de-addiction centers. The Punjab government formed a five-member cabinet committee to oversee the anti-drug efforts, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. In the first 17 days of the campaign, the Punjab Police arrested 2,575 drug smugglers and registered 1,651 cases. They seized significant amounts of drugs, including 95kg of heroin and more than 1,129kg of poppy husk. A new anonymous tip line, the "Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline," has also gained attention among the public for reporting drug-related activities.