Punjab Police Delivers Major Blow to Cross-Border Smuggling, Seizing 24 Pistols and Heroin, Arresting 7

In a decisive blow against organised crime and cross-border illicit activities, Punjab Police have successfully dismantled two major smuggling modules, apprehending seven individuals and seizing a substantial cache of weapons and narcotics. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced the significant breakthrough, highlighting the state's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and illegal arms supply, as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The comprehensive operations, executed by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) teams of Amritsar and Fazilka, targeted networks facilitating the supply of illegal weapons to various criminal gangs and distributing heroin across Punjab.

These modules were found to be primarily operating from across the international border with Pakistan, employing sophisticated methods, including drones, to ferry contraband into Indian territory.

DGP Yadav elaborated on the specifics of the first module, which was actively involved in supplying weapons to notorious gangsters.

This module's unravelling led to the arrest of four key operatives: Surjit Singh alias Karala, Gurpartap Singh alias Baba, Gurlal Singh alias Lalli, and Gurwinder Singh alias Ghugga. Their apprehension, following an intelligence-led operation, resulted in a significant haul. Police recovered 10 pistols, including nine .30 bore pistols and one .45 bore pistol, along with 1 kg of heroin.

Crucially, two advanced drones, suspected to be used for air-dropping these consignments, were also seized, indicating the technological sophistication of the smuggling operations. This module was primarily active in the Fatehgarh Sahib area, disrupting a critical supply chain to local criminal elements.

Simultaneously, the SSOC teams launched another successful operation to bust a second module, primarily focused on the distribution of heroin.

This crackdown led to the arrest of three individuals: Jagjit Singh alias Jod, Balraj Singh alias Beera, and Bhola Singh. From their possession, authorities confiscated 14 pistols of various calibres, including 10 .30 bore pistols, two .32 bore pistols, and two .9 mm pistols, alongside another 1 kg of heroin.

These arrests and seizures underscore the intertwined nature of arms and drug trafficking networks operating in the region. The operations spanned across sensitive border districts, including Amritsar Rural and Gurdaspur, known for their vulnerability to cross-border illicit trade.

The successful dismantling of these two modules is a testament to the Punjab Police's relentless efforts to combat organised crime.

DGP Yadav reiterated the police force's resolve to continue their aggressive campaign against drug peddlers and weapon suppliers, assuring the public that no stone would be left unturned in making Punjab a safer state, free from the menace of drugs and illegal firearms. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend further links in these elaborate smuggling chains.