Punjab Police Expose Illicit Arms Trafficking Network Linked to the US, One Arrested
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Synopsis
Punjab Police have successfully uncovered a weapon smuggling operation linked to the US, resulting in the arrest of Gurwinder Singh in Ludhiana. The investigation reveals connections to known drug traffickers and highlights ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police dismantled a US-linked arms smuggling operation.
- Gurwinder Singh arrested with five illegal pistols.
- Key figures in the operation are based in the US.
- Previous thwarted terror attack linked to a separate module.
- Punjab Police continue to investigate connections and future threats.
Chandigarh, April 22 (NationPress) Acting on a precise tip-off, the Punjab Police’s Counter-Intelligence unit in Amritsar reported on Tuesday that they have dismantled an illegal arms trafficking operation with connections to the United States and detained Gurwinder Singh, also known as Guri, in Ludhiana.
The authorities confiscated five illegal pistols from him.
According to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on X, Gurwinder Singh was under the influence of Gurlal Singh and Vipul Sharma, both of whom are currently living in the US and are pivotal figures in this operation.
Initial investigations disclosed that Gurwinder is the brother-in-law of Hardeep Singh, a notorious drug trafficker who escaped to the US in 2022 after his arrest in a 2020 case.
It appears that Gurlal and Hardeep have formed a collaboration overseas and are running a transnational arms trafficking network using local associates in Punjab, stated DGP Yadav.
Ongoing investigations aim to map out all backward and forward connections, he added.
Previously, the Punjab Police thwarted a potential targeted terror attack by dismantling a module operated by Germany-based Gurpreet Singh, known as Goldy Dhillon, and apprehended two of its principal operatives.
The police seized a 2.8 kg improvised explosive device (IED) containing 1.6 kg of RDX along with a remote control from their possession. This operation was conducted by teams from Counter-Intelligence Ferozepur and the State Special Operating Cell of SAS Nagar.
The arrested individuals were identified as Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh, both hailing from Fatehgarh Sahib district. They have a criminal background and have been involved in various narcotics-related offenses.
DGP Yadav noted that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has placed a Rs 10 lakh reward on the apprehension of Goldy Dhillon, a significant operative of the Goldy Brar-Lawrence Bishnoi gang. “By dismantling this module, the Punjab Police have thwarted the plans of the Pakistan-based ISI aimed at disrupting peace and stability in the region,” he added.
