Major Drug Bust in Amritsar: Police Seize 51.5 Kg Heroin Near Pakistan Border
In a significant crackdown on cross-border narco-smuggling activities, the Amritsar (Rural) police on Friday made a substantial recovery of 51.5 kilograms of heroin from a location close to the international border with Pakistan. This major seizure underscores the ongoing challenges posed by drug syndicates operating across borders.
Details of the Heroin Seizure and Arrests
Senior Superintendent of Police Suhail Qasim Mir of Amritsar (Rural) provided detailed insights into the operation. The recovered heroin was meticulously packed in 103 individual packets, indicating a highly organized cross-border drug trafficking network. Two individuals involved in this smuggling racket were apprehended during the operation.
The arrested smugglers have been identified as Gurjeet Singh alias Jeet and Ranjeet Singh alias Dhillon, both residents of Talwandi Rai Dadu village under the jurisdiction of Ajnala police station. Their capture marks a crucial step in disrupting the local links of this illicit trade.
Police Operation Based on Intelligence Inputs
Acting on specific and credible intelligence, a dedicated police team intercepted the suspects who were traveling on a motorcycle with a suspicious bag placed between them. Upon conducting a thorough search, authorities discovered the 103 packets of heroin, with the total weight confirmed at 51.5 kilograms.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused were in active communication with a Pakistan-based smuggler, establishing clear cross-border linkages in this narcotics network. A detailed examination of their mobile phones uncovered multiple locations, communication trails, and other incriminating digital evidence, further strengthening the case against them.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
An FIR has been officially registered at the Gharinda police station under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations to trace the broader smuggling network and identify other associates involved in this illicit operation.
Context of Increased Cross-Border Smuggling
This seizure comes just one day after the recovery of 42 kilograms of contraband in another operation, signaling an intensified push of narcotics by drug syndicates from across the border. Sources indicate that following Operation Sindoor, cross-border smuggling activities have increased manifold, with repeated recoveries of large quantities pointing to renewed attempts by traffickers to exploit border vulnerabilities.
Punjab DGP Reviews Security Situation
In the wake of successive heroin recoveries in Amritsar and growing concerns over gangster activity, Gaurav Yadav, the Director General of Police for Punjab, held a critical review meeting on action against gangsters in Batala. The DGP reviewed the security situation with officers from various police units, including:
- Commissionerate Police, Amritsar
- Border Range
- Ferozepur Range
Districts under review included Amritsar (Rural), Batala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran. Detailed discussions focused on key strategies such as:
- Dismantling cross-border terror-crime nexuses
- Enforcing zero tolerance against extortion and organized crime
- Strengthening operational preparedness across border districts
This coordinated effort highlights the Punjab police's commitment to combating the dual threats of drug trafficking and gangsterism in the region.
