Major Drug Bust in Sriganganagar: Four Punjab Men Held with Rs 12 Crore Heroin Smuggled via Drone
In a significant crackdown on cross-border narcotics trafficking, Sriganganagar police have arrested four men from Punjab after confiscating a substantial quantity of heroin valued at approximately Rs 12 crore. The illicit drugs were reportedly smuggled into India using a drone from Pakistan across the international border.
Details of the Drone-Based Smuggling Operation
According to police officials, the seizure occurred on Wednesday, with law enforcement recovering 2.34 kilograms of heroin. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hari Shankar of Sriganganagar stated, "Police recovered a total of 2.3kg of illegal narcotic substance heroin smuggled via drone from Pakistan by unknown accused." The operation highlights the increasing use of technology in drug trafficking networks.
In addition to the narcotics, authorities also seized several items believed to be connected to the smuggling activity. These included:
- A bag
- A jacket
- A warm shawl
- A lower garment
- Two pairs of shoes
Police further impounded a Hyundai Creta car that was allegedly used in the transportation of the contraband.
Identities of the Arrested Individuals
The four individuals taken into custody have been identified as residents of various locations in Punjab:
- Gurcharan Singh, aged 28, from Rampur Raiya
- Rajendra Singh Jidra, aged 25, from Bitla
- Narendra Singh alias Kaka, aged 21, from Katgarh in Fazilka
- Mandeep alias Mani, aged 23, from Raipur Gujra in Nakodar
All are currently facing charges related to narcotics smuggling and possession.
Separate Narcotics Case in Padampur
In an unrelated but concurrent incident, Padampur police conducted another successful operation resulting in the arrest of two more individuals. This case involved the seizure of 303 grams of heroin, with an estimated street value of around Rs 1.5 crore.
Alongside the drugs, authorities confiscated Rs 1.6 lakh in alleged proceeds from drug sales and a motorcycle. The arrested persons in this matter have been named as Vikas, aged 49, and Ranjit alias Sethi, aged 35, both from Raisingh Nagar.
Law Enforcement's Ongoing Efforts
These arrests underscore the persistent efforts by Rajasthan police, particularly in border districts like Sriganganagar, to combat the influx of illegal narcotics. The use of drones for smuggling poses new challenges, but authorities remain vigilant in intercepting such activities.
The cases are currently under further investigation to uncover potential links to larger trafficking networks and to identify any additional accomplices involved in these operations.
