Amritsar, June 18
The Punjab Police have dismantled an alleged cross border arms smuggling network operating in the Amritsar region, arresting eight people and recovering 11 sophisticated pistols believed to have been supplied through drone drops from across the border.
Announcing the breakthrough on Thursday, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the operation was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to curb organised crime and strengthen security.
Among those arrested are eight men from Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts. Police recovered a cache of weapons, including Glock pistols made in Austria, Chinese-made firearms and other high-end handguns, along with live cartridges. A motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects was also seized.
According to investigators, the accused were allegedly linked to foreign-based operatives involved in smuggling illegal weapons into Punjab. Police believe the arms were intended for distribution among criminal groups and could have been used in extortion, violent crimes and other illegal activities.
The investigation began after intelligence inputs led police to two suspects in the Attari area near the India-Pakistan border. Their arrest and subsequent questioning helped investigators trace other members of the alleged network, leading to a series of raids and additional recoveries.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said one of the accused revealed during questioning that he had been in contact with a foreign-based gangster through social media platforms. The gangster allegedly coordinated the delivery of weapons through drones at different locations in the Attari sector.
Police said the operation uncovered a well-organised supply chain, with several of the accused allegedly helping to receive, store and distribute the weapons after they crossed into Indian territory.
Investigators have also found that four of the arrested men were previously involved in criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, arms-related offences, narcotics cases and theft.
Officials said efforts are now focused on identifying the wider network behind the operation, including overseas handlers, local associates and possible buyers of the recovered weapons.
Three separate cases under the Arms Act have been registered at Airport, Sadar and Chheharta police stations in Amritsar. Further investigations are continuing, and police have indicated that more arrests and recoveries may follow.
