Major Drug Bust in Amritsar: 64.62 Kg Heroin Seized, Cross-Border Links Uncovered
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar announced on Saturday the dismantling of a cross-border drug smuggling module, resulting in the recovery of 64.62 kilograms of heroin and the arrest of two individuals. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug networks with international connections.
Arrests and Seizure Details
The arrested accused have been identified as Sarwan Singh, also known as Gujjar, from Awan Wasau village, and Shamsher Singh, alias Shera, from Dial Rangar village in Amritsar. According to Gaurav Yadav, the Director General of Police (DGP), the SSOC not only seized the heroin but also impounded a vehicle used in the smuggling operations. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the module had ties to Pakistan-based smugglers and a handler based in Portugal.
Links to Notorious Networks
DGP Yadav further disclosed that this trafficking ring is connected to a network associated with the infamous Pakistan-based smuggler Moosa, whose name previously emerged in the 2019 seizure of 532 kg of heroin by Indian Customs at the Attari Integrated Check Post. This connection underscores the persistent and organized nature of cross-border drug trade in the region.
Operation and Investigation Insights
Sukhminder Singh Mann, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of SSOC Amritsar, provided details on the operation. He stated that reliable intelligence indicated Sarwan Singh and Shamsher Singh had retrieved a heroin consignment delivered via drone from across the border a few days prior. Acting on instructions from their handlers, the duo were intercepted by the SSOC unit near the Mahal bypass in Amritsar while en route to deliver the drugs to another party.
The AIG noted that the arrested individuals were promised substantial financial rewards by their handlers. He added that more arrests and recoveries are anticipated as the investigation progresses, suggesting the potential for further disruptions to this smuggling network.
Legal Actions and Additional Cases
A case has been registered under Sections 21, 25, and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, along with Sections 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, at the SSOC police station in Amritsar. In related developments, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Ferozepur Range conducted separate operations, arresting three persons and seizing 4.5 kg of heroin. These operations included:
- The arrest of Harpal Singh (alias Bhala) and Shamsher Singh (alias Shera) with over 2 kg of heroin and an Innova Crysta vehicle.
- The interception of a drone-linked consignment leading to the arrest of Supanpreet Singh (alias Supan), with 2.48 kg of heroin, packing material, and radium strips suspected for nighttime drone deliveries.
Additionally, in Fazilka district, Ghubaya police, in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), recovered approximately 520 grams of heroin from a wheat field near the India-Pakistan border, believed to have been sent via drone from Pakistan. Investigations across these cases are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the networks and identify key suppliers.
