The Punjab government has improved the mandate of its Crime Control Department (CCD) to curb the growing menace of cybercrime, online harassment, drug trafficking, and land grabbing across the province.
Under the new powers, CCD officials are authorized to lodge FIRs, register cases, make arrests, and launch operations against cybercriminals and harassment offenders.
The department will also maintain records of organized crime groups, pursue pending cases, and intensify monitoring of land mafias and drug traffickers.
The move places special focus on curbing online harassment, particularly cases targeting women, as part of the provincial government’s efforts to ensure digital safety and accountability.
Officials said CCD operations will increasingly rely on modern technology, including digital surveillance and data tracking, to improve investigations and evidence collection. The department is also being equipped with a digitized case management system to bring greater transparency and efficiency.
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Established in February 2025 under the Police (Amendment) Ordinance, CCD was created to combat organized crimes such as land grabbing, extortion, and kidnapping. Modeled on the Counter-Terrorism Department, it began with around 4,250 officers and was allocated more than Rs 5.5 billion to develop advanced surveillance and operational tools.
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With its expanded mandate, CCD is now tasked with addressing both traditional organized crimes and modern threats in the digital sphere, marking a major shift in Punjab’s policing strategy.
