Who was the ISI-backed drug smuggler arrested in Punjab?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police has successfully seized 50 kg of heroin.
- The operation was conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
- The smuggler has a history of criminal activity.
- Intelligence played a crucial role in tracking the suspect.
- Investigations are ongoing to find further connections.
Chandigarh, Nov 22 (NationPress) In a significant setback to the trans-border drug trafficking network supported by Pakistan's ISI, the Punjab Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has apprehended a drug smuggler and confiscated 50 kg of heroin from him, as stated by the Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Saturday.
The suspect has been named as Sandeep Singh, also known as Seepa, who resides in Shanna Sher Singh Wala village, located in Kapurthala.
In addition to the significant heroin seizure, the police have also seized his white Kia Seltos, which he was driving.
DGP Yadav disclosed that initial investigations indicate that this 50 kg heroin shipment was dispatched by smugglers linked to the ISI in Pakistan.
He noted that the accused has an extensive criminal history, with eight cases, including five under the NDPS Act, demonstrating his deep entanglement in organized drug trafficking. He had recently been released from Kapurthala Jail.
The DGP mentioned that investigations are ongoing to uncover connections related to this case, and further recoveries are anticipated.
Providing operational insights, Additional Director General of Police (ANTF) Nilabh Kishore stated that based on precise technical intelligence, ANTF teams monitored the accused's movements after his release earlier this month. Intelligence suggested he had acquired a substantial consignment of contraband from the border village of Baggeke Utar in Jalalabad.
Responding quickly, ANTF teams tracked the suspect driving towards Ferozepur, and when challenged, he attempted to evade capture, prompting a police chase. The suspect was ultimately intercepted at Rauke village after a brief confrontation in which he attempted to run over the police.
The investigation continues to identify the intended recipients of this shipment. A case has been filed under Section 21 of the NDPS Act at the ANTF Police Station in Mohali.