Barnala Police Smashes Cross-Border Narco-Arms Racket
Barnala police have claimed a major breakthrough by busting a Pakistan-operated narco-arms module. They unearthed a well-organized cross-border heroin smuggling network during a detailed operation.
Heroin and Pistol Seized in Raid
During the operation, police recovered 2 kg of heroin and an Austria-made Glock 9 mm pistol. The investigation established that proceeds from narcotics trafficking were used to support espionage and anti-state activities inside India.
This discovery makes it a narco-arms nexus and an ISI-backed organised crime module, according to Barnala police officials on Thursday.
Case Registered Under Multiple Acts
The police registered the case under several sections. These include sections 111, 112, 113(3), and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
They also applied sections 21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Additionally, sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act and section 5 of the Official Secrets Act were invoked.
Patrolling Leads to Initial Arrest
Patiala Range deputy inspector general Kuldeep Singh Chahal and Barnala senior superintendent of police Sarfaraz Alam provided details on Thursday. They said police were patrolling and checking for suspicious movement on the Barnala-Pharwahi link road on January 10.
During this routine check, they intercepted a person identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Gagan of Hamidi village in Barnala. Police recovered 52 grams of heroin from his possession immediately.
Sustained Interruption Reveals Larger Network
During sustained interrogation and follow-up investigation, it became clear that the accused was part of a larger organised drug-and-arms supply chain. Further disclosures revealed the network involved multiple associates.
These associates included persons operating as direct procurement links for heroin and weapon supply. The investigation established that Gagan, along with his associates, formed a drug trafficking gang with cross-border procurement connections.
More Arrests and Recoveries Made
Based on the interrogation, police nominated and arrested Rajkaran Singh alias Goga of Chak Wajida village in Fazilka. They also arrested Saraj Singh of Ferozeour's Habibwala village.
The police further recovered 255 grams of heroin from Gagan. They found 1.7 kg of heroin in a bag with Urdu markings and an Austria-made Glock 9 mm pistol from Saraj Singh.
Jail Links to Pakistan Handler Exposed
The accused, Gagan, disclosed crucial information. While lodged in Faridkot jail in a previous case, he developed links with Jaji Singh alias Jaji from Fazilka.
Jaji introduced him to Pakistan-based handler "Haji," who is stated to be an ISI-linked agent. Haji facilitated cross-border heroin supply through drone routes and also arranged arms supply.
Haji ensured fund transfers through bank accounts of Indian agents, thereby financing narcotics operations and expanding the network, said the DIG.
Narco-Terror Ecosystem Uncovered
Many foreign contacts were disclosed during the initial investigation. Police found that Pakistan handlers used proceeds of the narcotics trade to recruit and support local intelligence assets (spies).
They also promoted anti-national activities, thereby indicating a narco-terror ecosystem rather than a conventional drug smuggling chain, said the DIG.
He added that it also emerged that the accused shared photographs of BSF posts as demanded by Pakistan handlers. This prompted the addition of the Official Secrets Act to the case.
Accused Have Criminal History
The SSP said Gagan earlier faced four cases, while Saraj faced one case under the NDPS Act. This highlights their involvement in previous criminal activities.
Barnala police continue their investigation to uncover more details about this dangerous network operating across borders.
