Punjab Police’s ‘OPS Seal-VIII’ Operation Targets Drug Trafficking and Smuggling
On Monday, the Punjab Police launched a special operation called ‘OPS Seal-VIII’ to monitor vehicles entering and exiting the state. This operation aims to curb drug trafficking and liquor smuggling, especially with the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Details
The operation was conducted from 6 am to 2 pm under the direction of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla stated that Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from border districts coordinated with their counterparts in neighboring states and Union Territory (UT) Chandigarh to ensure effective checkpoints, known as ‘nakas’.
Coordination and Execution
Over 1000 police personnel were involved in setting up strong nakas at 92 entry and exit points across 10 districts that share borders with four states and UT Chandigarh. These districts include Pathankot, Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, and Bathinda.
Results of the Operation
During the operation, 4245 vehicles were checked, 293 were fined, and 16 were impounded. Police registered 26 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 27 individuals. Additionally, 401 suspicious persons were questioned. The police recovered 1.1 kg of opium, 29 kg of poppy husk, 42 kg of intoxicant powder, 1070 intoxicant capsules/tablets, and a large quantity of both licit and illicit liquor.
SDGP Shukla emphasized that police personnel were instructed to be friendly and polite while conducting vehicle checks to minimize inconvenience to the public.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab Police -: Punjab Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in the state of Punjab, India.
‘OPS Seal-VIII’ -: ‘OPS Seal-VIII’ is a special operation conducted by the Punjab Police to check vehicles at state borders to stop illegal activities like drug trafficking and liquor smuggling.
Drug Trafficking -: Drug trafficking means the illegal trade of drugs, where people sell or transport drugs that are not allowed by law.
Smuggling -: Smuggling is the act of moving goods illegally into or out of a country or state, like bringing in liquor without permission.
DGP Gaurav Yadav -: DGP Gaurav Yadav is the Director General of Police in Punjab, which means he is the top police officer in the state.
Haryana -: Haryana is a state in northern India, located next to Punjab.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Impounded -: Impounded means that the police have taken control of something, like a vehicle, because it was involved in illegal activities.
Liquor -: Liquor is a type of alcoholic drink, like whiskey or rum, which people sometimes try to sell or transport illegally.
