The North News
Chandigarh/Amritsar, October 15
In a major intelligence-led operation, the Punjab Police have busted a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling module with links to Pakistan. Three operatives were arrested and a cache of weapons and drugs was recovered, officials said on Wednesday. According to Gaurav Yadav, Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, the arrests are part of a broader security push under the directions of Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab. Police seized 10 sophisticated pistols, including four 9mm Glock pistols and six .30 bore pistols, along with 500 grams of opium.
The arrested individuals were identified as Rajan alias Sagar (28) of Faizpura in Amritsar, Surinder Singh alias Pali (24) of Tali Wala in Fazilka, and Jagjit Singh (25) of Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran.
DGP Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed the trio was part of an inter-district smuggling network linked to a Pakistan-based handler. The seized weapons were allegedly intended for gangsters and criminal groups to stoke violence in the state.
“Efforts are underway to trace the entire chain of suppliers, receivers, and financers behind this module,” Yadav said.
Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, said Rajan’s arrest with a pistol and opium led to the unearthing of the wider network. This was followed by the arrests of Surinder and Jagjit, which resulted in further recovery of pistols, including Glock handguns.
The Police believe the accused were collecting drone-delivered consignments in Amritsar, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran sectors and distributing them through location-based delivery systems. Jagjit had reportedly returned from Dubai four months ago, while the other two hail from villages near the international border.
A case has been registered under sections 18-B and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Sadar Amritsar Police Station.
