Chandigarh: Punjab Police have seen a surge in drug seizures, with those of the synthetic drug ICE (crystal methamphetamine) rising by 447% since 2022. DGP Gaurav Yadav revealed on Thursday that 93 kg of the drug has been seized in the last four years, compared to 17 kg between 2017 and 2021.Other narcotics have also seen significant spikes. Heroin seizures rose by 148%, with 5,979 kg confiscated recently against 2,412 kg in the previous five years. Opium seizures increased by 43%, totaling 3,583 kg.The state’s “war against drugs” has led to a steep rise in legal actions. Between 2022 and 2026, police registered 73,541 NDPS cases—a 40% increase. Arrests also jumped by 45%, with 98,596 individuals taken into custody compared to 68,064 during 2017 and 2021.Authorities have also focused on pharmaceutical drug abuse. Enforcement agencies seized 8.7 crore tablets and capsules during 2022-26, aiming to break supply chains.The DGP attributed the success to a broader strategy involving tighter probes and better prosecution. These efforts have resulted in a significantly improved conviction rate, which has now reached 89%, he said.Ends MSID:: 130470398 413 |
