Did Punjab Police Uncover a Cross-Border Drug Cartel?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police arrested an operative and seized 5 kg of heroin.
- The operation highlights ongoing efforts against drug trafficking.
- Initial investigations link the drugs to Pakistan.
- Another incident involved the recovery of IEDs connected to a terror network.
- Further investigations are being conducted to uncover the entire network.
Chandigarh, Oct 28 (NationPress) In a significant operation driven by intelligence, Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence unit in Ferozepur has dismantled a cross-border drug cartel, apprehending one of its operatives and confiscating 5 kg of heroin, as confirmed by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday.
The suspect has been identified as Gurpreet Singh, also known as Gora, who hails from Habib Wala village in Ferozepur.
In addition to the 5 kg of heroin, law enforcement has also seized Gora's motorcycle, which he used during the operation.
DGP Yadav stated that initial investigations suggest that the drugs were smuggled from across the border by smugglers operating out of Pakistan.
Ongoing investigations aim to expose the entire network involved.
Detailing the operation, Assistant Inspector General (Ferozepur) Gursewak Singh Brar mentioned that the police acted on reliable information to conduct a covert operation in the Ferozepur area, leading to Gurpreet's capture.
He noted that the suspect was poised to deliver this consignment to another operative under the guidance of a smuggler based in Pakistan.
The investigation will further explore the identity of the second operative and the extent of the Pakistan-based smuggler's network.
Earlier this week, the Special Operation Cell of Amritsar apprehended another individual involved in a terror network, recovering two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), each weighing approximately 2.5 kg and containing high-grade RDX, equipped with timers for detonation.
This individual has been identified as Manpreet Singh, known as Tiddi, from Kotla Tarkhana village in Amritsar. Previously involved in two criminal cases registered in Batala and Kalanaur, he was released from prison in February after serving one and a half years in Gurdaspur and Amritsar jails, only to resume his criminal activities.
Investigations indicate that Manpreet was operating under the directives of handlers located in Armenia, Britain, and Germany, who are in turn receiving instructions from a mastermind in Pakistan affiliated with a banned terrorist organization.