Did Punjab Police Just Take Down a Major Pak-Backed Arms and Drug Smuggling Network?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police dismantled a dangerous arms and drug smuggling network.
- Collaboration with Central agencies was crucial in this operation.
- Five suspects were arrested, highlighting the reach of organized crime.
- Seizures included significant weapons and cash, showcasing the scale of the operation.
- Commitment to national security and public safety is paramount.
Amritsar, July 27 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, the Punjab Police, collaborating with Central agencies, have successfully dismantled a significant trans-border smuggling network involved in sophisticated arms and drug trafficking, allegedly backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, officials announced on Sunday.
According to Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, "The Amritsar Rural Police, in close partnership with central agencies, has disrupted a major trans-border smuggling network that was operating sophisticated arms and drug money, overseen by handlers with ties to the Pakistan-ISI."
The operation led to the apprehension of five primary suspects: Jobanjit Singh, Gora Singh, Shenshan, Sunny Singh, and Jaspreet Singh.
A substantial haul of arms and cash was seized, including one AK Saiga 308 assault rifle with two magazines, two Glock 9mm pistols with four magazines, 90 live cartridges for the AK rifle, 10 live cartridges of 9mm calibre, Rs 7.50 lakh in drug money, a car, and three mobile devices.
DGP Yadav indicated that initial investigations suggest direct connections between the accused and operatives based in Pakistan.
He added that, "The intercepted consignment was meant for delivery to Nav alias Nav Pandori, a known associate of the gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, highlighting a wider terror-gangster nexus."
Jagdeep Singh, known as Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, hails from Gurdaspur and has over 120 criminal cases against him, which include murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and breaches of the Arms Act. He is viewed as a notorious figure in Punjab and is reported to be a mentor to Lawrence Bishnoi.
The Punjab Police affirmed its dedication to combating organized crime and terrorism within the state, asserting their commitment to dismantling terror networks, eradicating organized crime, and ensuring peace, safety, and harmony across the region.
This operation comes on the heels of another significant crackdown just a day prior when authorities dismantled a separate cross-border heroin smuggling ring.
Four key operatives with direct ties to Pakistan-based smugglers were captured while transporting a heroin consignment near the India-Pakistan border in Attari. The police recovered 4 kg of heroin during this operation.