Amritsar, June 5 In a significant crackdown on organised crime, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a cross-border network involved in illegal arms trade, drug trafficking and hawala operations and arrested six people, including an Afghan national and two juveniles, officials said on Friday. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the operation led to the recovery of 1.035 kg heroin, five sophisticated pistols and ₹5 lakh in drug proceeds, marking another major success in the state’s ongoing anti-crime drive.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Baz Mohammad (62), an Afghan national earlier based in Sonipat and recently shifted to Delhi; Ankush Barthwal (33) of Nawanshahr; Des Raj alias Vicky (32) of Jalandhar; Rajandeep Singh alias Raja (26) of Amritsar; and two juveniles. Police said three of the adult accused have previous criminal records.
Officials recovered three 9mm Glock pistols made in Austria, one Zigana .30 bore pistol, one .30 bore firearm, and live cartridges during the operation. DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigation suggests the accused were operating with foreign-based handlers and using social media platforms to coordinate the supply of arms and narcotics. The network was active across Punjab’s Majha and Doaba regions, he added.
Commissioner of Police Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the case began with the arrest of two juveniles, from whom a Glock pistol and live rounds were recovered. Their disclosures led police to further seizures of heroin and weapons.
Following sustained investigation, police arrested Baz Mohammad, Ankush Barthwal and Des Raj, recovering additional contraband and cash. Rajandeep Singh alias Raja was later apprehended after further questioning.
Investigators said Ankush Barthwal had recently returned from Uganda, where he had been employed. He allegedly came into contact with Baz Mohammad abroad, which later led to his involvement in the smuggling network after returning to India.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the NDPS Act at Police Station Cantonment, Amritsar. Police said efforts are underway to uncover forward and backward linkages and identify other members of the network.
