Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Dec 30: In a major breakthrough, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police have dismantled a cross-border drug smuggling network linked to Pakistan-based handlers, arresting seven individuals and recovering 4.075 kg of heroin, 1 kg of methamphetamine (ICE), and a 9mm Glock pistol, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday.
The arrested individuals include Judgebir Singh alias Judge (21) from Jasraur village, Amritsar; Jaspal Singh alias Jass (22) from Ajnala, Amritsar; Anmolpreet Singh (19) from Lopa village, Gurdaspur; Harpinder Singh alias Bhinda (32) from Sandalpur, Gurdaspur; Tarunpreet Singh (20) from Sandalpur, Gurdaspur; Dawinder Singh alias Bau (33) from Bua Nangli, Amritsar; and Mandeep Singh (24) from Bua Nangli, Amritsar.
DGP Yadav stated that preliminary investigations indicate the narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan and distributed across Punjab via local modules coordinated through social media. Authorities are continuing to trace both upstream and downstream links in the operation.
Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, said the crackdown began after actionable intelligence led to the arrest of Judgebir Singh, with 225 grams of heroin recovered from him. Interrogation and digital forensics then revealed a larger network, leading to Jaspal Singh’s arrest and seizure of 1.6 kg of heroin. Further actions resulted in the apprehension of Anmolpreet Singh, Harpinder Singh, and Tarunpreet Singh, from whom 2.2 kg of heroin was recovered.
The investigation confirmed that these individuals acted as couriers and distributors, following instructions from Pakistan-based handlers who coordinated narcotics drops across districts. During routine patrolling, Dawinder Singh and Mandeep Singh were also apprehended with a Glock pistol and a motorcycle, and one kg of ICE was seized from them.
Background checks revealed prior criminal records: Judgebir Singh was involved in an attempted murder case, Jaspal Singh faces prosecution under the Arms Act, and Dawinder Singh had two NDPS Act cases. Dawinder had returned to India 18 months ago after nearly a decade in Dubai, during which he established connections with international drug smugglers.
The operation highlights intensified efforts by Punjab police to crack down on cross-border drug trafficking and curb the influence of international narcotics networks.