Chandigarh, February 22 (NationPress) – The Punjab Police announced on Sunday the dismantling of an international drug cartel with ties to Pakistan, resulting in the apprehension of six individuals, including a current Army member and a former Punjab Police officer. Authorities seized 4.8 kg of heroin, a firearm, and a significant amount of cash believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the suspects were identified as Jarnail Singh, an active member of the Indian Army; Amardeep Singh, a former Punjab Police employee; Dimple Rani from Ferozepur; along with Ramandeep Kaur, Sarabjit Singh, and Amritpal Singh, all hailing from Moga district.

The police operation led to the recovery of 4.8 kg of heroin, ₹30,000 in suspected drug money, and a .30 caliber pistol, along with three cartridges. Two vehicles allegedly utilized for drug trafficking—a Thar and an XUV-500—were also confiscated.

DGP Yadav indicated that the arrests were the culmination of a two-month intelligence operation that included strategic interceptions from within jails, which unveiled the cartel's cross-border connections.

Initial investigations suggest that the suspects were in communication with smugglers based in Pakistan, who reportedly employed drones to transport heroin across the international border into Indian territory.

Further inquiries are being conducted to trace both the supply chain and to identify additional members of the cartel.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Faridkot) Pragya Jain noted that the breakthrough occurred when a CIA Staff team intercepted a Thar vehicle near Green Avenue during the night of February 20 and 21.

A subsequent search led by DSP Tarlochan Singh resulted in the discovery of 1.008 kg of heroin and cash, which led to the arrest of four individuals in that vehicle.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly revealed that the heroin was supplied by Amardeep Singh, who was in an XUV-500 at the time.

Following this lead, police teams intercepted Amardeep Singh and his associate Dimple Rani near Goleana Semnala village, recovering an additional 3.796 kg of heroin and a .30 caliber firearm from their vehicle.

SSP Jain stated that Amardeep Singh has a history of criminal activity with nine prior cases against him, while the other suspects also have charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act.

Authorities mentioned that the accused exploited official identification to circumvent security procedures at checkpoints and toll plazas.

The police have secured remand of the suspects for further investigation to identify handlers operating from across the border and to trace the distribution network within the state.

More investigations are ongoing.