Punjab Police Developing AI-Based Software to Track Drug Networks and Repeat Offenders
Punjab, June 4, 2025:
Punjab Police is in the process of developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software to enhance its surveillance of drug peddlers and disrupt narcotics networks across the state. The tool will map both forward and backward linkages of drug traffickers, allowing law enforcement to track not only individuals but also their wider criminal networks. It will also help monitor repeat offenders more efficiently.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav made the announcement while inaugurating the new office of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) at Police Lines. He stated that the initiative is a significant step under the state’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh.
"The campaign is not ending with May 31. Our crackdown on drug trafficking will persist with even greater intensity," the DGP asserted. He added that efforts are being made at the grassroots level, with the police working in close coordination with panchayats and ward committees to keep tabs on individuals released on bail for drug-related offenses.
In a further push for accountability, DGP Yadav revealed that legal options are being explored to implement GPS-enabled anklets or other tracking devices for high-profile offenders out on bail. This measure would add an extra layer of monitoring to prevent reoffending.
Since March 1, under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police has registered 8,960 FIRs and arrested 15,272 drug smugglers. The massive crackdown has led to the seizure of:
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603 kg of heroin
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249 kg of opium
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14 tonnes of poppy husk
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9 kg of charas
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262 kg of ganja
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2.5 kg of ICE
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1.6 kg of cocaine
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26.28 lakh intoxicant pills
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₹10.81 crore in drug money
The integration of AI in anti-drug operations is seen as a strategic advancement that could significantly improve intelligence gathering, pattern recognition, and offender tracking in real time.
With these measures, the Punjab Police aims not just to catch traffickers but to dismantle entire drug supply chains operating in the state.
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