Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a major escalation of its anti-drug strategy, the Punjab Police has launched a three-day statewide special enforcement drive under the next phase of the War Against Drugs campaign. The operation is aimed at tightening the noose around illegal hawala networks that facilitate financial transactions for drug trafficking syndicates.
According to the police, these hawala operators play a crucial role in strengthening the drug trade by laundering proceeds generated from narcotics smuggling. The current drive focuses on dismantling this financial backbone of organized drug networks.
Officials said that so far, 73 hawala operators have been arrested under the campaign, while ₹10 crore in hawala money has been recovered. Additionally, since 2022, assets worth over ₹830 crore have been frozen under Section 68F of the NDPS Act.
Police further informed that since March 1, 2025, illegal proceeds amounting to more than ₹20 crore from drug trafficking have been seized. A total of 1,727 proposals for attachment of illegally acquired properties have also been approved by the competent authority.
Reiterating its commitment, the Punjab Police said its zero-tolerance policy against drugs remains firmly in place. Authorities added that sustained action is being taken against drug traffickers, hawala networks, and illegal assets to dismantle the financial ecosystem of organized narcotics trade and move closer to a drug-free Punjab.
