In a significant breakthrough against cross-border narcotics trafficking, the Haryana Police's Special Task Force (STF) has successfully dismantled an international drug smuggling syndicate. The operation culminated in the arrest of a pivotal accused from Punjab, exposing a sophisticated network that utilized drones to ferry contraband across the India-Pakistan border.
The Arrest and the Accused
The key individual apprehended has been identified as Lovepreet Singh, also known as Lovely, a resident of Dhand village in Punjab's Kapurthala district. His arrest on Monday followed intensive investigations and surveillance by the STF team. Authorities have described him as a central figure in the intricate smuggling operations.
During the arrest, the police recovered incriminating evidence from Lovepreet Singh's possession. This included a mobile phone suspected to have been used for coordinating the illegal activities. The investigation is now focused on tracing his associates and unraveling the full extent of the network's operations within Haryana, Punjab, and beyond.
Modus Operandi: Drones and Border Smuggling
The gang's method of operation was notably high-tech and audacious. According to police officials, the syndicate specialized in using drones to transport narcotics, primarily heroin, from Pakistan into Indian territory across the international border.
Once the consignments were dropped via drone in the border areas of Punjab, members of the network would collect them. The drugs were then strategically hidden in specially modified compartments of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, for further transportation and distribution across various regions in northern India. This method was chosen to evade conventional border checks and land-based patrols.
Broader Network and Ongoing Investigation
The bust of this gang is not an isolated incident but part of a larger, concerted crackdown. The STF revealed that this network is linked to several other recently uncovered drug smuggling modules operating in the region. These interconnected groups have been responsible for a substantial flow of illicit substances.
The police are currently interrogating Lovepreet Singh to extract critical information about other gang members, financiers, and the distribution channels. The aim is to move up the chain and target the masterminds controlling this transnational trade. More arrests are anticipated as the probe deepens into the financial trails and logistics of the racket.
This successful operation underscores the evolving challenges law enforcement faces with technology-enabled crime. It also highlights the continued collaboration and intelligence-sharing needed to combat the scourge of drugs smuggled across the western border, which has been a persistent issue for states like Punjab and Haryana.
