Ludhiana Police Dismantle Major Narcotics Smuggling Network in Intelligence-Led Operation
In a significant crackdown on organized drug trafficking, the rural police of Ludhiana have successfully dismantled a sophisticated narcotics smuggling module with the arrest of four individuals. The operation, which targeted a key distribution hub, resulted in the seizure of over 3 kilograms of heroin and an illegal firearm, exposing a well-organized network allegedly fueled by cross-border smuggling activities.
Strategic Interception and Major Seizures
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff from Jagraon executed a meticulously planned operation on Tuesday. According to Ludhiana's Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural), Ankur Gupta, authorities received specific information indicating that the suspects were transporting a substantial consignment of heroin toward Talwandi Rai via Noorpura in a white vehicle.
A strategic checkpoint was established near the Talwandi Rai grain market, where police intercepted the vehicle. During a thorough search conducted in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police from Raikot, officers recovered 3.3 kilograms of high-purity heroin, a .32-bore country-made pistol with a magazine and two live cartridges, along with Rs 30,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
Arrested Accused and Their Criminal Backgrounds
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Jaswinder Singh (alias Bobby) – resident of Jagraon area
- Prince – resident of Jagraon area
- Rahul – resident of Jagraon area
- Harpreet Singh – resident of Attari, Amritsar district
Investigations revealed that two of the accused are considered high-value targets with extensive criminal histories. Jaswinder Singh (Bobby) currently faces six prior criminal cases and was actively wanted in two matters at the time of his arrest, despite being out on bail for four other cases. Rahul already has a pending case involving possession of commercial quantities of narcotics.
Cross-Border Connections and Distribution Network
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to a larger conspiracy involving cross-border drug trafficking. Police officials stated that the group admitted to sourcing substantial quantities of heroin from Pakistan through established channels.
Investigators identified Harpreet Singh of Attari as the primary supplier, leveraging his proximity to the international border to facilitate the flow of drugs into Punjab. The module functioned as a localized distribution hub, systematically supplying the illicit material across the Jagraon, Raikot, and Mullanpur belts of Ludhiana district.
Operational Structure and Ongoing Investigation
SSP Ankur Gupta revealed that Prince acted as the group's designated driver, while Jaswinder Singh managed the financial aspects and incentives for the distribution network. The suspects were produced before a local court on Wednesday, where police successfully sought remand for further custodial interrogation to uncover additional details about the smuggling operation.
"We are conducting comprehensive technical analysis of the mobile phones recovered from the accused, particularly from Jaswinder Singh, to trace their offshore contacts and communication patterns," stated SSP Gupta. "We anticipate more revelations regarding the end-buyers, distribution channels, and the specific methods employed to transport drugs across the international border."
The successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Punjab police to combat the menace of drug trafficking that has plagued the state. By targeting both the supply chain and distribution networks, authorities aim to disrupt the economic foundations of organized narcotics smuggling operations that often exploit vulnerable communities.
