Who Were the Two Arrested in Punjab for Cross-Border Narcotics Smuggling?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 4 kg of heroin seized from two arrested operatives.
- Arrests linked to a cross-border smuggling network.
- Utilization of drones by smugglers to drop drugs.
- Punjab Police's proactive measures under 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'.
- Ongoing investigations to uncover the entire smuggling module.
Chandigarh, Sep 28 (NationPress) The Counter Intelligence (CI) unit in Amritsar has successfully dismantled a cross-border narcotics smuggling network linked to Pakistan, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of 4 kg of heroin, as confirmed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Akashdeep Singh, also known as Tony, from Attari in Amritsar, and Pawanbir Singh from Basarke Bhaini in Amritsar.
In addition to the heroin, law enforcement has seized their Hero Splendor Motorcycle, which was reportedly being used for transporting drug consignments.
DGP Yadav indicated that initial investigations suggest that these individuals were operating under the guidance of a Pakistan-based smuggler known as Rana King, who has been utilizing drones to drop narcotics across the border.
Detailing the operation, he stated that CI Amritsar received credible intelligence regarding a significant narcotics consignment being retrieved from the border area.
In a swift response, police established a trap and apprehended the suspects on Chheharta-Sann Sahib Road in Amritsar, near Mannu Hospital, as they were preparing to deliver the drugs.
The DGP mentioned that further inquiries are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network, with more arrests and recoveries anticipated in the upcoming days.
As part of the ongoing anti-drug initiative titled 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', Punjab Police executed raids at 332 locations on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of 66 drug smugglers and the registration of 53 first information reports (FIRs) across the state.
With this crackdown, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended has reached 31,145 over 210 days. The operations have led to the recovery of 431 grams of heroin, 1,608 intoxicant tablets, and Rs 42,250 in drug-related cash from the detainees.
The state government has established a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee, headed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to oversee the anti-drug efforts.