The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Amritsar police has dismantled two interconnected narcotics smuggling networks following the arrest of three alleged drug smugglers and the recovery of 13 kilograms of heroin in two distinct operations. The arrests and seizures took place on Monday, marking a significant blow to drug trafficking in the region.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
The arrested individuals have been identified as Akashdeep Singh, originally from Khemkaran in Tarn Taran district and currently residing in Kherabad, Amritsar, along with Mangal Singh and Baljit Singh, both residents of Bhodiwala village in Moga district. In addition to the contraband, the police impounded a Hyundai Verna car that was allegedly being used to transport narcotics.
According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were acting as couriers, collecting heroin consignments from various locations and supplying them to different parties across Punjab. The operations were based on specific intelligence inputs.
First Operation: Raid at Kherabad
In the first operation, acting on precise intelligence, a Counter Intelligence team raided the residence of Akashdeep Singh in Kherabad. During the search, officials recovered 8 kilograms of heroin from his possession. Akashdeep was taken into custody and is being interrogated to uncover further details of the network.
Second Operation: Interception on GT Road
In a separate but coordinated operation, the CI team received information that two smugglers were transporting a heroin consignment in a Hyundai Verna. The police swiftly set up a checkpoint on the Amritsar-Chabal GT Road and intercepted the vehicle. A thorough search led to the recovery of 5 kilograms of heroin from the car, and the occupants, Mangal Singh and Baljit Singh, were arrested on the spot.
Investigations and Legal Proceedings
DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that further investigations are underway to establish the backward and forward linkages of both networks, identify other members of the syndicates, and trace the entire supply chain. The police are also probing the source of the heroin and the intended destinations of the consignments.
Two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) police station in Amritsar under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused are expected to be produced in court for remand proceedings.
Impact on Drug Trafficking in Punjab
This seizure is part of the ongoing efforts by Punjab Police to curb drug smuggling in the state. The recovery of 13 kilograms of heroin represents a significant disruption to the supply chain of narcotics in the region. The police have reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug networks and bringing smugglers to justice.
