Did Punjab Police Uncover a Major Cross-Border Arms and Drug Smuggling Operation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, Feb 9 (NationPress) — In a significant intelligence-driven operation, the police in Amritsar have successfully dismantled a network involved in cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling. Five suspects were apprehended, leading to the recovery of six advanced pistols, 115 grams of heroin, and Rs 11.90 lakh in cash linked to drug activities, as reported by Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Monday.
The individuals arrested are identified as Simaranjeet Singh, alias Mannu, 24; Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, 20; Sukhraj Singh, alias Joga, 24; Sajan Singh, also known as Gursajan Singh or Ladda, and Molakdeep Singh, 23, all from Roda Wala Kalan village, with the exception of Molakdeep, who hails from Ranike, both located in Amritsar district.
The seized firearms include two 9MM Glock pistols manufactured in Austria, a Zigana pistol from Turkey, two .32 bore pistols, and one .30 bore pistol, along with ten cartridges.
Additionally, police have confiscated the vehicle used for smuggling activities.
DGP Yadav stated that preliminary investigations indicate the arrested individuals were part of a larger cross-border smuggling operation, utilizing drones to receive arms and narcotics from outside the country. Ongoing inquiries aim to uncover further connections within this case.
In detailing the operation, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, explained that acting on intelligence regarding smuggling activities, police apprehended the suspects along with the vehicle and confiscated two .32 bore pistols during the initial arrest. Subsequent interrogations led to the discovery of four additional pistols, heroin, and significant drug-related cash, underscoring their involvement in organized illegal arms and narcotics trafficking.
The Commissioner highlighted that some of the arrested, specifically Simaranjeet Singh, Molakdeep Singh, and Gurpreet Singh have prior offenses related to the NDPS Act. Investigations also revealed that Simaranjeet Singh previously worked as a truck driver in Dubai. Police are now tracing the financial connections and potential hawala links of this criminal network.