Khanna Police Smashes Sophisticated International Drug Trafficking Syndicate
In a major breakthrough, the Khanna police have successfully dismantled a highly sophisticated international drug trafficking network, exposing a complex supply chain that originated from the Punjab border, extended to a handler based in Portugal, and infiltrated the state's high-security prisons. This extensive operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing war against narcotics in the region.
Initial Seizure and Expanded Investigation
The crackdown began with an initial seizure of 4 kilograms of heroin on January 6, which prompted a deeper probe. Since then, the police have formally booked 19 individuals and arrested seven additional suspects as part of their expanded investigation. The diligent efforts of the Khanna police have led to further recoveries, including an additional 195 grams of heroin, Rs 2 lakh in suspected "drug money," two vehicles used in the illicit operations, and two illegal .30 bore pistols, highlighting the dangerous nature of this criminal enterprise.
The Prison-to-Portugal Connection Unraveled
The investigation has uncovered a intricate web of "backward and forward linkages" that were facilitated through the use of mobile phones smuggled into prisons. A key figure based in Portugal, who originally hails from Punjab, is alleged to have orchestrated the drug shipments by leveraging contacts established within Faridkot Jail. Internally, the syndicate was managed by high-profile inmates with extensive criminal histories.
Notably, Sunil Bachi, a criminal with 12 prior cases, was reportedly running the network from Ludhiana jail using a smuggled mobile phone. Similarly, gangster Vicky Marado, who faces 26 criminal cases, was found to be overseeing operations from Kapurthala jail, demonstrating the audacious reach of this prison-based network.
Commission Structure and Logistics Exposed
During interrogations, the primary couriers, Angrej Singh and Jaspreet Singh, revealed that they were paid a commission of Rs 20,000 per kilogram of heroin delivered. The duo admitted to having completed three drug runs from Tarn Taran and four from Jalalabad before their eventual arrest. At the time of their capture, they were in the process of transporting a consignment from Ferozepur toward Chandigarh via Ludhiana, indicating the active and ongoing nature of their operations.
Expanded Arrests and Significant Recoveries
Since the initial arrests on January 6, the Khanna police have methodically dismantled the distribution cell. Their efforts led to the arrests of Harshdeep Singh and Prabhjot Singh on January 9, followed by Manpreet Chaudhary, alias "Bhima," who was apprehended with 100 grams of heroin on January 21. In a subsequent operation, Sunil Bachi and Gurtej Singh, alias "Guri," were found in possession of two .30 bore pistols, magazines, and 95 grams of heroin, further underscoring the violent and well-armed nature of the syndicate.
Khanna SSP Darpan Ahluwalia stated, "The accused would bring drugs from the border to supply across Punjab and Chandigarh. We are now initiating legal proceedings against the Portugal-based handler to ensure that all individuals involved in this network are brought to justice." This statement reaffirms the police's commitment to pursuing every lead and holding accountable those responsible for fueling the drug trade in the region.
