Chandigarh's War on Drugs: 1,092 Nabbed in Massive Police Crackdown
Chandigarh Police crack down on narcotics, arresting 213 and detaining 879 in a massive operation to make the city drug-free.
In a sweeping operation to cleanse the city of narcotics, the Chandigarh Police have launched an intensified anti-drug drive that has seen a massive wave of arrests and detentions. Under the directives of UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, the police have registered 173 FIRs, leading to the arrest of 213 individuals and the preventive detention of 879 others.
The crackdown, which spanned from June 26 to October 25, 2026, saw a significant surge in intensity starting September 11. The primary goal of the campaign is to dismantle the intricate supply networks of narcotics, curb substance abuse, and engage the public in making Chandigarh a drug-free zone.
Major Seizures and Pharmacy Raids
The operation resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of illegal substances. The police seized the following:
- Heroin: 2.9 kg
- Ice: 404 grams
- Cocaine: 136.87 grams
- Ganja: 2.956 kg
- Opium: 6.20 grams
Beyond drugs, the authorities recovered two pistols, four cartridges, 40 injections, and cash totaling ₹70,200. To tackle the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, the police collaborated with the Drugs Control Wing of the Chandigarh Administration to raid 13 chemist shops. This targeted operation led to the seizure of 30 types of habit-forming medications from five different shops, including Tramadol, Tapentadol, and Codeine. The confiscated stock—comprising 2,417 capsules, 1,175 tablets, and 38 bottles of cough syrup—is valued at approximately ₹1.37 lakh.
Targeting Hotspots and Encroachments
To ensure a strategic approach, Chandigarh Police have mapped out 65 "drug hotspots" where patrolling, surveillance, and searches have been intensified. The authorities are not just targeting the peddlers but also the infrastructure supporting them.
Police identified 104 locations where drug peddlers had illegally encroached upon government land, resulting in the demolition of 13 such encroachments. Furthermore, 34 building violations linked to drug peddlers were uncovered, with legal actions currently being pursued in coordination with relevant departments.
Rehabilitation and Youth Outreach
Recognizing that enforcement is only half the battle, the campaign has placed a strong emphasis on treatment and recovery. Out of 83 individuals identified as suffering from drug addiction, 37 have already been admitted to rehabilitation centers to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The battle against drugs has also moved into classrooms and community centers. Through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Department of Social Welfare has implemented several initiatives:
- Education: Sensitization sessions, street plays, and social media campaigns in schools and colleges.
- Community Engagement: Programs like "Gen-Z Against Drug" and the "Stronger Without Drugs T-20 Wheelchair Cricket Tournament."
- Grassroots Support: 774 students, Anganwadi workers, and NSS cadets have been appointed as "Nasha Mukt Mitr" to spread awareness.
These efforts have reached approximately 6,250 people, and five individuals who successfully overcame addiction were publicly felicitated to inspire others.
Community Vigilance and the Helpline
The Chandigarh Police have urged residents, market associations, and educational institutions to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. A critical tool in this fight is the Anti-Drug Helpline launched on September 23. Since its inception, the helpline has already received 1,146 calls and messages from concerned citizens.
The police have affirmed that the campaign will continue unabated, with a continued focus on breaking supply chains, monitoring hotspots, and promoting sports and constructive activities for the youth.