The North News
Chandigarh/ Amritsar, July 2
Punjab’s Counter Intelligence unit has uncovered a major cross-border network involving the smuggling of illegal arms and narcotics from Pakistan and arrested three suspected operatives and seizing sophisticated weapons, heroin, and drug money. The suspects — identified as Sarabjit Singh and Kulwinder Singh from Ferozepur, and Ashmandeep Singh from Tarn Taran — were arrested during a coordinated operation near Railway Road of Tarn Taran, as they attempted to deliver a consignment.
The Police recovered eight firearms, including three 9mm Glock pistols, three Chinese-made .30 bore weapons, and two PX-5 pistols. Also recovered were 1 kg of heroin, ₹2.9 lakh in cash, a currency counting machine, and a motorcycle allegedly used for transportation. Punjab Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, said the group was acting on the directions of Pakistan-based smuggler Sikandar Noor, believed to be coordinating aerial weapon drops using drones from across the border. The weapons were reportedly destined for criminal gangs operating within Punjab.
The operation was launched following actionable intelligence inputs suggesting a drop-and-retrieve smuggling model being used in Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts. The timely interception prevented the delivery of weapons and narcotics into the hands of local syndicates.
Investigators are now working to uncover the wider network, with focus on both supply chains and the end recipients of the arms and drugs. DGP Yadav confirmed that efforts are underway to establish the entire smuggling route and financing mechanisms behind the racket. An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Arms Act at the State Special Operation Cell in Amritsar.
