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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Ludhiana police conduct targeted operation in EWS colony, arrest eight drug peddlers.
Ludhiana: In a fresh escalation of its anti-drug campaign, Ludhiana Police on Friday arrested eight alleged drug peddlers and registered five criminal cases following a targeted pre-dawn raid in the EWS Colony on Tajpur Road. Acting on specific intelligence, the commissionerate launched a coordinated cordon and search operation (CASO) around the colony, known as a drug trafficking hub, focusing on the residences of 10 suspected traffickers. According to officials, more than 40 prior cases had been registered collectively against the suspects. Police commissioner Swapan Sharma said the crackdown was part of the Punjab government's ongoing "Yudh Nasheya Virudh" (War On Drugs) campaign. "Rather than conducting random checks, we are conducting intelligence-led operations against repeat offenders," Sharma said. Among those arrested were Ajay alias Sunny and Deepak of Jawahar Nagar, from whom police seized 27 grams of heroin. In another case, Sneha alias Beetu of EWS Colony was found in possession of pharmaceutical drugs, including 70 Alprazolam tablets, 450 Snospas tablets, and empty strips of Prega and Brufen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Esseps Learn More Undo She was taken into custody and booked under relevant charges. Mohammad Sabir, a resident of Baba Namdev Colony in the Tibba area, was arrested with 30 grams of heroin. Jatinder Kumar of Ram Nagar in Bhamian Kalan was also held, with police recovering 0.20 grams of heroin from his possession. "This is not a one-off action," Sharma said. "We have arrested habitual offenders before, and we will continue to dismantle drug networks operating in Ludhiana." Authorities said the operation marks another step in tightening surveillance and enforcement in areas notorious for drug activity. Further arrests are expected as investigations continue. MSID:: 121365886 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Eight peddlers nabbed, drugs seized; 5 booked
The Ludhiana police commissionerate carried out a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) early on Friday morning at EWS Colony on Tajpur Road— a known drug hotspot. The operation led to the arrest of eight drug peddlers and recovery of narcotics and illegal pharmaceutical drugs. Five fresh FIRs have been registered. According to top police, the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs and targeted 10 known drug smugglers, all of whom collectively face over 40 FIRs. Commissioner of police Swapan Sharma said, 'We are no longer conducting random checks. Our focus is on intelligence-based targeted action. The aim is to uproot the drug menace from its core. Today's operation in EWS Colony, which is home to several habitual offenders, is part of that strategic approach.' Division Number 7 police nabbed Ajay alias Sunny and Deepak, both residents of Jawahar Nagar, and recovered 27 grams of heroin from them. In a separate case, Sneha alias Beetu, a resident of EWS Colony, was found in possession of a large quantity of pharmaceutical drugs, including 70 alprazolam tablets and 450 Snospas tablets, along with empty strips of Prega and Brufen capsules, indicating illegal distribution. Another accused, Mohammad Sabir of Baba Namdev Colony in the Tibba area, was arrested with 30 grams of heroin. Additionally, Jatinder Kumar from Ram Nagar, Bhamian Kalan, was caught with 0.20 grams of heroin. 'All those arrested were on our radar for a long time. With more than 40 FIRs filed against this group of 10, the scale of their involvement in drug trafficking is extensive,' said the commissioner. 'The city police will continue to act relentlessly against such offenders.'
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
3 die in Ludhiana after consuming suspected spurious liquor, police begin probe
Three men died in Punjab's Ludhiana Wednesday after allegedly consuming spurious liquor. Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma, while confirming three deaths, said: 'Prima facie, four men were together last night, of which three who had consumed liquor have died. Autopsy reports are awaited to know the cause of death.' CP Sharma added: 'An FIR has been registered against the unidentified accused at Basti Jodhewal police station. A probe is on.' Inspector Jasbir Singh, Station House Officer of the Jodhewal police station, said some samples of liquor have also been collected from a liquor vend in the area by the police. The incident comes close on the heels of a massive hooch tragedy in Amritsar, where 27 men died after consuming spurious liquor. The police arrested several people, including two Delhi-based businessmen who allegedly supplied the chemical used in preparing the spurious liquor. As the toll climbed in the Amritsar hooch tragedy, Opposition parties attacked the Aam Aadmi Party government and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The chief minister visited the affected villages, met the families of the victims and vowed to ensure the strictest punishment for the culprits. 'These are not deaths, these are murders. Such a tragedy could not have occurred without political, bureaucratic, or police support,' said Mann. The Congress in Punjab termed as 'mere optics' the Aam Aadmi Party government's renewed push to 'Yudh Nashean Virudh', saying the campaign could not have come at a worse time when the state is still mourning 27 people who died in the hooch tragedy at Majitha in Amritsar. State Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, 'When the funeral pyres of those 27 unfortunate people are yet to cool down, you are celebrating a lost war'. Attacking Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal after they announced the launch of Nasha Mukti Yatra from SBS Nagar, Warring said it was 'the most insensitive and untimely publicity'. 'Which 'war against drugs; are you talking about when 27 people have lost lives after consuming spurious liquor just a few days ago. The AAP is trying to create an ugly optical illusion to fool people,' he added.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Yudh Nashian Virudh: Ludhiana District achieves highest drug arrests in state; 383 peddlers and 75 suppliers apprehended
Police have arrested a total of 383 drug peddlers and 75 major suppliers, marking the highest number of drug-related arrests by any district in Punjab. This breakthrough is part of the ongoing 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign aimed at dismantling the illegal drug trade in the region. Swapan Sharma, commissioner of police, Ludhiana, lauded the relentless efforts of field officers, special units and support staff involved in the operations. 'This achievement is not just a statistical milestone but a testament to the commitment of every officer involved. We will continue our war against drugs with increased force and strategic planning,' he stated. Beyond strict enforcement, the Ludhiana police commissionerate is also focusing on voluntary de-addiction efforts by facilitating admission of drug users into outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres. To further disrupt drug supply chains, cordon and search operations (CASO) are regularly conducted in suspected drug hotspots. As part of community engagement, Ludhiana Police are organising police-public sampark meetings to foster stronger cooperation and trust between them. These meetings have proven crucial in gathering intelligence, raising public awareness and encouraging active participation in the anti-drug movement. Commissioner Sharma appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug activity by using the designated helpline numbers. 'Together, we can make Ludhiana a drug-free city,' he said.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Raids at shops selling tobacco items near educational facilities, 6 booked
In a targeted effort to curb the illegal sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes near educational institutions, Ludhiana police commissionerate lodged six FIRs on Tuesday against shopkeepers violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products in proximity to educational zones. Police during the raid on Sat Paul Mittal Road in Ludhiana on Tuesday. (HT Photo) On Tuesday afternoon, the police conducted a special enforcement drive aimed at protecting the health of students and upholding legal restrictions. The police teams raided eight locations, seizing a large quantity of illicit items such as hookahs, e-cigarettes, smoking pipes, chimneys and flavoured tobacco packets. The raids were conducted in areas around schools and colleges, including Malhar Road, Ishmeet Singh Chowk near Government School and Model Town Market adjacent to GTB College and Hospital, to ensure the law prohibiting the sale of tobacco products (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products in proximity to educational zones is enforced effectively. Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma, said, 'A total of six FIRs have been lodged against shopkeepers found violating the law. These locations are frequently visited by students and the general public. We must protect the youth from the dangers of tobacco use and ensure legal boundaries are respected. Our aim is not just enforcement, but also awareness.' The drive involved a coordinated effort by senior officers, including two additional deputy commissioners of police (ADCPs), six assistant commissioners of police (ACPs), eight station house officers (SHOs) and local police personnel, supported by the field media team, Sharma said. Later, the police also engaged with local shopkeepers, parents, and the public to educate them about the legal consequences of non-compliance and the severe health risks of tobacco consumption.
