War on Drugs: Major Breakthrough in Patiala

Patiala News: In a significant boost to Punjab’s ‘War on Drugs’ (Yudh Nashian Virudh) campaign, the Panchayat and residents of village Sadhoheri in Nabha have vowed to make their village drug-free within a month. Their collective stand against drug smugglers has prompted Patiala Police to temporarily postpone the demolition of an illegal structure built on Panchayat land by a known drug trafficker.

Leading the action, SP (Detective) Yogesh Sharma stated that the village Panchayat had initially approached the police with concerns about individuals involved in drug trafficking from unauthorized settlements on shamlat (common) land. Following investigations, the police identified Nirmal Singh, against whom seven cases are already registered, as a key offender. While legal action remains underway, the Panchayat’s strong commitment to self-reform led to a reconsideration of the immediate demolition.

The Panchayat and villagers unanimously decided that if any individual from the village is found engaging in drug smuggling in the future, strict action will be taken by both the community and law enforcement. In a landmark move, the Panchayat will also submit a written affidavit affirming that no illegal drug trade will take place in the village.

SP Yogesh Sharma reiterated Punjab Police’s unwavering stance on tackling drug-related crimes under the leadership of SSP Dr. Nanak Singh. He highlighted that Operation Seal and CASO (Cordon and Search Operations) are being executed rigorously across the district, with recent demolitions of illegal properties linked to drug smugglers in Patiala.

Further, he emphasized that alongside punitive measures, the Punjab government under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is providing rehabilitation and vocational training to help former addicts reintegrate into society.

Residents of Sadhoheri and neighboring villages welcomed the police action, acknowledging it as a crucial step towards dismantling drug networks and empowering communities to stand against illegal activities. DSP Nabha Mandeep Kaur was also present during the proceedings.

The Punjab Police reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against drug smugglers, ensuring that no offender escapes the clutches of the law.