Ludhiana: Punjab Police launched a large-scale Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) against drugs at 15 identified hotspots under the Ludhiana commissionerate Saturday, registering 15 FIRs and arresting 19 persons, including listed peddlers and suppliers.The operation, which began at 6am across 11 police station areas, led to the recovery of 143g heroin, 61g ICE, 10kg ganja and 3kg poppy husk. Police also facilitated treatment for 15 addicts through OOAT centres and sent eight persons for de-addiction treatment.Around 500 police personnel, supervised by 25 gazetted officers, carried out raids after sealing entry and exit points of the hotspot areas. Teams targeted listed peddlers, searched known drug consumption points and checked suspicious persons and vehicles.Apart from enforcement, police and health officials counselled persons struggling with addiction and encouraged them to seek treatment. Awareness meetings, sports activities and anti-drug sessions for students were also organised.Commissioner of police Swapan Sharma urged residents to share information related to drug trafficking on the Safe Punjab anti-drug helpline, assuring confidentiality of informants.
