Amritsar Police Busts Major Cross-Border Narco-Arms Smuggling Network
In a significant crackdown, the Amritsar police on Tuesday claimed to have dismantled a sophisticated cross-border narco-arms smuggling module. The operation led to the arrest of four operatives and the seizure of substantial contraband, including 1.5 kilograms of heroin and Rs 1.98 lakh in alleged drug money. The police action highlights the ongoing challenges of cross-border crime in the region.
Recovery of Pakistan-Made Cartridges Raises Concerns
Among the seizures, what particularly stood out was the recovery of 34 cartridges manufactured by the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF). This discovery underscores the international dimensions of the smuggling racket and raises serious security concerns. The presence of such ammunition points to the involvement of foreign elements in fueling illicit activities within India.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar provided details on the arrested individuals. All four men hail from Ranian village in Amritsar and have been identified as:
- Jaskinder Singh alias Sikander
- Harpal Singh
- Gurmukh Singh
- Sukhdeep Singh
In addition to the heroin and cash, police confiscated a 9mm pistol and a .30-bore pistol along with the 34 POF-made cartridges, indicating a well-equipped smuggling operation.
Investigation Reveals Social Media Links to Foreign Handlers
The preliminary investigation has unveiled that the arrested accused were acting in connivance with foreign-based handlers. According to Commissioner Bhullar, they were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms. Acting on directions from these handlers, the accused were retrieving consignments of illegal arms and heroin transported via drones from across the border. These items were then supplied further to various locations in Punjab, facilitating the spread of narcotics and weapons.
Bhullar informed that the operation was launched based on specific and reliable secret information. Police teams from Amritsar carried out a coordinated effort, leading to the arrest of the four accused. Following their capture, disclosure statements from Gurmukh Singh and Sukhdeep Singh led to the seizure of the two pistols, while 1.5kg of heroin was recovered based on information provided by Jaskinder Singh and Harpal Singh.
Family Ties and Profile of the Accused
The investigation further revealed that all the accused are closely related to each other and belong to the same extended family. Harpal Singh and Gurmukh Singh are brothers, while Jaskinder Singh alias Sikander and Sukhdeep Singh are their nephews. This familial connection suggests a tight-knit operation that relied on trust and secrecy.
Interestingly, it was also found that all four accused fall within the age group of 19 to 33 years and have no previous criminal antecedents. This aspect raises questions about the recruitment and involvement of young individuals in such high-stakes illegal activities, potentially lured by quick financial gains.
The bust marks a crucial step in curbing cross-border smuggling networks that threaten regional security and public health. Authorities continue to investigate the broader network and international links to prevent future incidents.
