The Punjab Police recently carried out a coordinated operation known as 'OPS Seal-III' aimed at monitoring vehicles entering the border state. This operation, which took place from 8 am to 2 pm, was a collaborative effort involving police forces from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh, in addition to Punjab. The operation was initiated under the guidance of Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, with the objective of curbing drug trafficking, liquor smuggling, and the movement of gangsters and anti-social elements across state borders.
During 'OPS Seal-III,' law enforcement authorities made substantial seizures. They confiscated ₹45 lakh in cash, 30 kg of poppy husk, 374 grams of heroin, 500 grams of charas (hashish), and 263 liters of illicit liquor. To ensure the operation's success, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla oversaw the deployment of 1,500 personnel at well-coordinated checkpoints. These checkpoints were strategically positioned at entry and exit points in ten districts that share boundaries with neighboring states and Union Territories. The districts involved in the operation were Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, and Bathinda.
ALSO READ: Punjab's Milestone in Renewable Energy: Pioneering Solar Power Agreement
During the operation, thorough searches of suspected vehicles and individuals were carried out, all while ensuring minimal inconvenience to the general public. Authorities maintained a commitment to courteous and friendly interactions with commuters during vehicle inspections. In total, 5,726 vehicles entering the state were scrutinized. Of these, 329 were issued challans (fines), and 25 vehicles were impounded. Law enforcement officials arrested 49 individuals and initiated 40 FIRs. Additionally, two proclaimed offenders were apprehended, and 715 individuals deemed suspicious were questioned.
In a related development, the Patiala Local Police successfully conducted its part in the operation. They recovered 20 kg of poppy husk, 1,260 banned tablets, 25 grams of intoxicants, and 100 bottles of illegal liquor during the operation at interstate borders. Patiala SSP Varun Sharma disclosed that eight checkpoints were established at these borders to monitor drug trafficking, liquor smuggling, and the activities of gangsters and anti-social elements. Subsequent to these recoveries, FIRs were filed against the accused individuals, and properties worth millions were seized from five drug smugglers.
ALSO READ: Tragic incident: two boys lose their lives in Gurdaspur village rivulet drowning
This multi-state operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to tackle illicit activities, promote public safety, and maintain a secure environment in the region. The collaborative effort demonstrates the significance of inter-state coordination in the fight against various forms of illegal activities, particularly at border regions where such activities are prevalent.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash