Major success for Punjab Police: 990 illegal weapons, 774 kg of heroin, and 15 hand grenades recovered during the 200-day ‘Gangstern te Vaar’ campaign

August 8, 2026

Punjab Police has completed 200 days of its flagship anti-gangster campaign ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, reporting extensive action against organised crime networks across the state. The intelligence-led drive has resulted in more than 1.09 lakh raids, the arrest of 1,532 proclaimed offenders, and action against over 58,000 criminals and their associates.

The campaign, launched under the leadership of the Bhagwant Mann government, has adopted a multi-pronged strategy focusing on gangsters, their associates, financial networks, weapons supply, narcotics, digital communication and overseas links.

Over 1.09 Lakh Raids Conducted Across Punjab

During the first 200 days, Punjab Police conducted 1,09,087 raids as part of its sustained crackdown on organised criminal networks.
Police initiated action against 58,212 people, including 853 gangsters and associates and 57,359 wanted criminals. Preventive measures also resulted in the detention of 28,201 persons, while another 18,514 individuals were verified and subsequently released.

Overall, police action during the campaign covered 1,04,927 persons, including 2,959 gangsters and their associates and 1,01,968 wanted criminals.

Illegal Weapons Seized in Large Numbers

A major focus of ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ has been to cut off criminal groups from their weapons and ammunition. Punjab Police recovered 990 illegal firearms, 242 sharp-edged weapons, 2,739 rounds of ammunition and 315 magazines during the operation. Authorities also seized 2.5 kg of explosives and 15 hand grenades, significantly affecting the firepower available to organised gangs.

774 Kg Heroin Recovered in Crackdown on Drug-Gangster Nexus

The campaign also targeted the close links between organised crime and the narcotics trade. Police recovered 774.38 kg of heroin, 480.23 kg of opium and 7,266.26 kg of poppy husk, along with 26,91,455 intoxicant tablets.

Financial assets linked to criminal and drug activities were also targeted. Police seized ₹1.73 crore in drug money, along with ₹1.80 crore in cash and 413.85

grams of gold.

DGP Gaurav Yadav Says Focus Extends Beyond Arrests

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the first 200 days demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained and intelligence-driven policing.
He said the campaign is designed not merely to arrest individual offenders but to dismantle the wider ecosystem that allows organised crime to operate. This includes targeting finances, logistics, communication networks, associates and overseas handlers.
According to the DGP, Punjab Police will continue working to ensure that criminals operating from within or outside the country have no safe haven.

AGTF Intensifies Action Against Overseas Gangster Networks

Additional DGP and Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) chief Pramod Ban said organised crime has increasingly adopted sophisticated financial and digital networks, with some handlers operating from foreign countries.

He said investigations under the campaign combine ground-level policing with financial intelligence, digital surveillance and coordination with central agencies.

The approach has helped authorities uncover extortion networks, identify foreign-based handlers and pursue the deportation and extradition of wanted criminals.

Fugitive Gangsters Brought Back from Abroad

One of the significant achievements highlighted by Punjab Police was the deportation of fugitive gangster Bhuvnesh Chopra alias Ashish Chopra from Central Asia.

Another wanted gangster, Jobanjit Singh alias Joban Billa, was brought back from Jakarta, Indonesia.
The operations were carried out by the AGTF in coordination with OFTEC Punjab and central agencies, demonstrating the state’s efforts to pursue criminal

suspects beyond India’s borders.

Punjab Police Seeks Public Help Against Gangsters To strengthen citizen participation, the Anti-Gangster Task Force has launched a dedicated tipline at 93946-93946. Citizens can use the helpline to anonymously provide information about wanted criminals, gangsters and criminal activities. The AGTF has assured confidentiality for those sharing actionable intelligence.

Cash Rewards Announced for Credible Information

The AGTF has also introduced a reward mechanism under which citizens can receive cash incentives for credible information that leads to action against wanted gangsters and criminals.

Officials said the combination of confidentiality, public participation and financial rewards is intended to strengthen intelligence collection and help police identify and track organised criminal networks more quickly.