Punjab Police Dismantles US-Supported Illegal Arms Trade Network
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Chandigarh, Dec 15 (NationPress) In a strategically planned operation, the Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell in Amritsar has successfully disrupted a cross-state illegal arms trade linked to handlers based in the US. This operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of 10 country-made pistols, along with 20 magazines and ammunition, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.
The suspects have been identified as Satnam Singh and Manjit Singh, both from Batala.
DGP Yadav stated that initial investigations have indicated that the primary suspect, Satnam, had been in contact with his US-based handler, Sunny Masih also known as Gulli, who is wanted for several cases involving heroin smuggling.
To facilitate his activities, Satnam also engaged his relative Manjit in the trafficking of drugs and the transportation of illegal firearms.
Yadav further noted that the suspects were obtaining illegal weapons from Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand to supply them to gangsters operating in Punjab.
Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of this criminal network.
Assistant Inspector General Sukhminder Singh Mann mentioned that they received intelligence suggesting that Sunny Masih was orchestrating an inter-state weapons smuggling operation within the state with the assistance of his associates.
Acting on this intelligence, the police initiated an operation that culminated in the arrest of two members of this network and the recovery of a consignment of weapons.
During interrogation, suspect Satnam disclosed that Sunny Masih compensated him for delivery services. He also revealed that approximately a month ago, he smuggled four firearms from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab, receiving Rs 10,000 for the job, and was promised Rs 20,000 for the current delivery.
Additionally, it was noted that Satnam Singh has a criminal record, with at least three cases filed under the NDPS Act against him. He had recently been released on bail on July 30.
