In a significant blow to cross-border terrorism, the Punjab Police announced it had successfully neutralized a series of Pakistan-sponsored insurgent plots over the past year. The force dismantled a staggering 19 terror modules and confiscated a massive cache of military-grade explosives and weaponry, preventing major attacks in the border state.
Major Counter-Terror Operations and Seizures
During a year-end briefing on Tuesday, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav detailed the force's proactive successes. He stated that intelligence-driven operations had solved 12 major terror incidents in 2025, effectively countering repeated attempts by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to destabilize Punjab. A total of 131 individuals linked to these terror networks were apprehended.
The security forces intercepted a sophisticated arsenal meant for targeting police infrastructure and public spaces. The key recoveries for the year included:
- Explosives: 11.6 kg of RDX, 12 IEDs, and 54 hand grenades.
- Heavy Weaponry: Four rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and a rocket launcher sleeve.
- Firearms: Nine rifles and 188 pistols or revolvers.
- Technical Equipment: Eight remote-controlled devices and two timer switches.
Record Drug Seizures and Convictions Under 'Yudh Nashiyan Virudh'
Parallel to the anti-terror drive, Punjab's war on drugs reached new heights. Following the launch of the 'Yudh Nashiyan Virudh' campaign in March, the state has emerged as the frontline in India's narcotics battle, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the country's total heroin seizures.
Police registered close to 30,000 cases and arrested 39,867 people involved in drug trafficking. The most notable achievement was the seizure of a record 2,021 kg of heroin. Other substances recovered included 35,000 kg of poppy husk, 698 kg of opium, and 55.7 lakh tablets.
This crackdown was backed by a national-high conviction rate of 88%. Financial enforcement was also robust, with assets worth ₹263 crore belonging to 548 suspected smugglers frozen.
Tech Upgrades and Decline in Traditional Crime
DGP Yadav highlighted a strategic shift towards technology and inter-agency coordination. The Anti-Gangster Task Force arrested 992 individuals and busted 416 criminal modules. International cooperation led to the deportation of high-profile fugitives like Anmol Bishnoi and terror-linked Parminder Singh.
The police upgraded their technical capabilities with PAIS 2.0, a system that now uses voice analysis to track leaders of organised crime. On the cyber front, Punjab's cybercrime laboratory was ranked fourth in India for recovering defrauded funds, securing liens worth nearly ₹80 crore.
These comprehensive efforts contributed to a marked decline in conventional violent crimes compared to 2024. Theft saw a 34.3% drop, snatching decreased by 19.6%, kidnapping fell by 10.6%, and murder cases declined by 8.7%. DGP Yadav credited this to increased patrols and 174 special operations conducted throughout the year.
Enhanced Border Security Measures
To address the growing threat of cross-border smuggling via drones (UAVs), the Punjab Police deployed anti-drone systems in the sensitive border districts of Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Amritsar. Furthermore, a "second line of defence" is being established along the international border with the installation of 2,367 CCTV cameras, which is currently underway.
The year 2025 underscored Punjab Police's dual focus on dismantling foreign-sponsored terror networks and crippling the narcotics trade, both seen as interconnected threats to the state's security and social fabric.
