Batala Police Uncover Cross-Border Drug and Weapon Smuggling Network
In a significant crackdown, the Batala police on Saturday announced the busting of a cross-border racket involved in smuggling drugs and illegal weapons. The operation led to the arrest of three accused individuals, including a juvenile, and the recovery of substantial contraband.
Details of the Arrests and Recoveries
Senior Superintendent of Police Mehtab Singh stated that the police seized 6.5 kg of heroin, a .30 calibre pistol along with six live cartridges, and Rs 1 lakh in drug money. The arrests were made under the jurisdiction of the Civil Lines police station in Batala on March 30.
Those apprehended have been identified as:
- Nishan Singh, a resident of Mulianwal in Batala
- Ravipal Singh, a resident of Raipur
- One juvenile, whose identity has not been disclosed
Additionally, a Toyota Fortuner vehicle used by the traffickers was impounded during the operation.
Connection to Previous Extortion Case
The investigation revealed links to a recent extortion-related firing incident, where the police had arrested Vansh and Sukhchain alias Jashan, recovering two .30 bore pistols from them. During questioning, these suspects disclosed that they received weapons from Ravipal Singh and a juvenile accomplice.
Acting on this information, police teams arrested Ravipal Singh and the juvenile, who confessed to coordinating the smuggling of weapons and drugs. Ravipal further revealed that he had delivered a consignment to Nishan Singh on the directions of an overseas handler.
Further Developments and Interception
Based on leads from the investigation, police intercepted Nishan Singh's vehicle near Kamla Devi Avenue in Amritsar, leading to his arrest. From his possession, authorities recovered the 6.5 kg of heroin, the .30 calibre pistol with six live rounds, and the Rs 1 lakh drug money.
Police Insights and Legal Actions
SSP Mehtab Singh emphasized that this recovery highlights a strong nexus between extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal arms networks. Preliminary investigations indicate that weapons were being supplied to operatives within this network, with the arrested individuals acting on directions from a foreign-based handler.
A case has been registered under Sections 109 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at the Civil Lines police station in Batala. Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network involved in this cross-border smuggling operation.
