Chandigarh, February 23: Punjab Police announced on Sunday that they have dismantled an international drug cartel linked to Pakistan. Six individuals were arrested, including an active soldier and a dismissed Punjab police employee. Authorities seized 4.8 kg of heroin, a firearm, and cash suspected to be drug money.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav identified the suspects as Jarnail Singh, currently serving in the Indian Army; Amardeep Singh, a former Punjab police employee; Dimple Rani from Ferozepur; and Ramandeep Kaur, Sarabjit Singh, and Amritpal Singh, all hailing from Moga district.
Police teams recovered 4.8 kg of heroin, ₹30,000 in suspected drug money, a .30 caliber pistol, and three cartridges. Two vehicles allegedly used for smuggling, a Thar and an XUV-500, were also confiscated.
DGP Yadav stated that these arrests followed a two-month intelligence operation that uncovered disruptions within the prison system, aiding in tracing border-linked connections of the network.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects were in contact with Pakistani traffickers, who reportedly used drones to transport heroin across the international border into Indian territory.
Further investigations are ongoing to identify additional links and members of the network.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Faridkot) Pragya Jain noted that this success came when a CIA staff team stopped a Thar vehicle near Green Avenue on the nights of February 20 and 21.
Under the supervision of DCP Tarlochan Singh, the search yielded 1.008 kg of heroin and cash, leading to the arrest of four individuals in the vehicle.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly revealed that this consignment was supplied by Amardeep Singh, who was traveling in an XUV-500.
Acting on this information, police teams intercepted Amardeep Singh and his associate Dimple Rani near Goleana Semenala village, seizing 3.796 kg of heroin and a .30 caliber pistol. SSP Jain stated that Amardeep Singh is a habitual offender with nine prior criminal cases against him, while other suspects face charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act.
The suspects reportedly misused official identification to bypass security checks at checkpoints and toll plazas.
Police have taken the suspects into custody for further questioning to identify handlers operating across the border and to trace the distribution network within the state. The investigation continues.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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