Amritsar Police Cracks Down on Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Network
In a significant breakthrough, the Amritsar commissionerate police announced on Tuesday that they have successfully dismantled an illegal arms smuggling module operating in the region. The operation led to the arrest of three key operatives and the recovery of seven sophisticated pistols from their possession, dealing a major blow to cross-border criminal activities.
Arrested Accused and Their Backgrounds
The police have identified the arrested individuals as Resham Singh alias Ghulla, a 30-year-old resident of Daleri in Tarn Taran district; Vishal Kumar, a 22-year-old from Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran; and Sumit alias Sachin, a 28-year-old living in Gumanpura, Amritsar. These arrests mark a critical step in curbing the flow of illegal weapons into the area.
Recovery of Sophisticated Firearms
The seized arsenal includes a range of high-caliber pistols, highlighting the advanced nature of the smuggling operation. Among the recoveries are:
- Three 9MM Glock pistols
- One 9MM Beretta made in Italy
- One 9MM Zigana made in Turkey
- One 9MM PX5 Glock made in Turkey
- One .30 bore pistol
This diverse collection of firearms underscores the international links and sophisticated supply chain involved in the module.
Cross-Border Connections and Modus Operandi
Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, the Amritsar police commissioner, revealed that preliminary investigations indicate the arrested persons were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers. These handlers utilized social media platforms to coordinate the smuggling of illegal arms, with consignments being delivered via drones across the border.
According to Bhullar, the accused acted on the directions of their handlers, picking up the weapons near the border and further delivering them to intended recipients. Sumit alias Sachin allegedly used his car sale and purchase business as a cover to facilitate these deliveries, adding a layer of legitimacy to their illicit activities.
Operation Details and Arrests
The police operation was launched based on specific and reliable intelligence. During the initial phase, a police team apprehended Resham Singh alias Ghulla and recovered two 9MM Glock pistols from his possession. Following his disclosure statement, three more pistols were recovered from a location he pinpointed.
Further interrogation of Ghulla led to the arrest of his accomplice, Sumit alias Sachin, from whom two additional pistols were seized. In a late-evening development, Vishal Kumar was also arrested, completing the trio's capture. Bhullar emphasized that all three accused shared a common handler, coordinating their activities to ensure smooth operations.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This crackdown highlights the persistent threat of cross-border arms smuggling in the region and the innovative methods employed by criminal networks, such as drone deliveries. The Amritsar police's swift action demonstrates their commitment to maintaining law and order and disrupting illegal supply chains.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to uncover further details about the network, including potential links to other criminal activities and the identification of additional handlers. The recovery of these sophisticated weapons is expected to prevent potential violence and enhance public safety in Amritsar and surrounding areas.
