Chandigarh, May 20
The Punjab Police have dismantled an alleged international drug trafficking network with links to Dubai after arresting two men and seizing large quantities of narcotics in Amritsar. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said officers recovered 10 kilograms of ICE, also known as methamphetamine, and 4 kilograms of heroin during the operation. The two accused — Mohit alias Bachi, 19, from Jalandhar, and Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh, 23, from Amritsar — were arrested while travelling on a motorcycle.
The police claim early investigations indicate the suspects were working under instructions from a Dubai-based smuggler operating out of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Officials allege the network was involved in transporting and distributing narcotics across Punjab, including the Majha and Doaba regions, as well as parts of Delhi.
According to investigators, Mohit had recently returned from Dubai, where he was allegedly trained to handle heroin and methamphetamine consignments. The Police claim that Arshdeep was already involved in drug trafficking and helped store and move heroin deliveries received through unidentified couriers. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the arrests followed a targeted intelligence-led operation. During questioning, the police said Mohit disclosed that young labourers were allegedly being lured into the drug trade by overseas handlers with promises of money and support.
The officials added that two other alleged associates linked to the same smuggling network had been arrested earlier this year with heroin and cash believed to be drug proceeds. The police said that relatives of the alleged Dubai-based kingpin are currently lodged in Amritsar Central Jail in a separate narcotics case involving a large heroin seizure.
The police further said that the investigations are continuing to uncover the wider network, identify additional suspects and trace both domestic and international connections. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Chheharta police station in Amritsar.
