Faridkot Police Cracks Down on Pakistan-Linked Drug Smuggling Ring
In a significant breakthrough, Faridkot police on Sunday announced the dismantling of a sophisticated drug cartel with alleged ties to Pakistan, apprehending six individuals, including two women, and confiscating a substantial quantity of heroin and a firearm. The operation marks a critical step in combating cross-border narcotics trafficking in the region.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
The arrested accused have been identified as Amardeep Singh alias Boxer and Dimple Rani from Ferozepur district; Ramanadeep Kaur, Sarabjit Singh alias Sabba, and Amritpal Singh alias Abhijot from Moga district; and Jarnail Singh alias Goldy from Ludhiana district. Notably, the group includes a currently serving Army personnel and a dismissed policeman, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those involved.
From their possession, authorities recovered 4.804 kilograms of heroin, Rs 30,000 in drug money, a .30 bore pistol with three live cartridges, and two vehicles—a Thar and an XUV-500—used for trafficking purposes. These items have been taken into police custody as evidence.
Operation and Investigation Insights
According to Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police Pragya Jain, the bust unfolded on the intervening night of February 20 and 21. A police team, acting on suspicion, intercepted a Thar parked near the Green Avenue area. Under the supervision of DSP Tarlochan Singh, a search yielded 1.08 kg of heroin and Rs 30,000 from a kit bag in the vehicle, leading to the immediate arrest of four occupants.
Interrogations revealed that Amardeep Singh alias Boxer had supplied the consignment via his XUV-500 in exchange for Rs 2.60 lakh. He and Dimple Rani were subsequently apprehended near village Goleana, where further searches uncovered an additional 3.796 kg of heroin in five packets, along with the pistol and cartridges.
Cross-Border Connections and Criminal Histories
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were operating a drug trafficking network in collaboration with Pakistan-based handlers, who allegedly used drones to smuggle heroin into Indian territory. The arrested individuals then distributed the contraband to other traffickers, as confirmed by SSP Jain.
Further probes are ongoing to identify additional associates linked to these foreign handlers. Criminal record checks revealed that Amardeep Singh alias Boxer, the main accused, has nine prior cases registered against him, while other gang members also have histories involving the NDPS Act and Arms Act. Notably, Amardeep Singh is a dismissed employee of the PAP cadre, and Jarnail Singh alias Goldy is currently serving in the Army.
An FIR has been filed at City Faridkot police station under Sections 21(c) and 27A of the NDPS Act, underscoring the seriousness of the charges. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb drug-related crimes and their international linkages.
