In a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the border region, Punjab Police have confiscated a large consignment of narcotics valued at approximately Rs 1.22 crore from two separate warehouses in Ferozepur district. The operation, which unfolded on Saturday, March 15, led to the recovery of multiple types of illegal substances, highlighting the ongoing challenges of narcotics smuggling in the state.
Details of the Police Raid and Seizure
The successful operation was conducted by a team from the Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU) of Punjab Police, acting on critical intelligence inputs. The raids targeted two godowns located in the Ferozepur area, which were suspected of being used as storage and distribution points for a drug smuggling syndicate.
Upon searching the premises, police officials discovered and seized a substantial quantity of contraband. The haul included 2.5 kilograms of heroin, a highly addictive opioid. Alongside the heroin, authorities also recovered 15 kilograms of poppy husk, a traditional narcotic substance. The combined estimated street value of the seized drugs is a staggering Rs 1.22 crore.
Ongoing Investigation and Search for Accused
While the narcotics have been successfully secured, the individuals allegedly operating these storage facilities managed to evade capture. Police have identified the accused as Jagjit Singh and Manjit Singh, both residents of Ferozepur. A manhunt is currently underway to locate and apprehend the suspects, who are believed to be key players in the local drug trade network.
Investigators are now delving deeper into the supply chain. A primary focus of the probe is to trace the origin of the seized narcotics and uncover the broader network responsible for its transportation and distribution across the region. The location of Ferozepur, a district that shares an international border, often makes it a vulnerable route for such illicit activities, and police are examining possible cross-border linkages.
Broader Implications for Punjab's Anti-Drug Campaign
This seizure marks another critical victory in the Punjab Police's relentless war against drugs. The state has been grappling with a serious narcotics problem for years, and such high-value interdictions are crucial for disrupting the financial underpinnings of smuggling cartels. The recovery of drugs worth over one crore rupees from storage godowns suggests an attempt to stockpile for large-scale distribution, which has now been thwarted.
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which carries stringent punishments. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the importance of public cooperation and intelligence sharing in identifying and dismantling such hideouts. This operation sends a strong message about the vigilance of the police force in border districts and their commitment to making Punjab drug-free.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to drug peddling or storage. The fight against narcotics, they assert, requires a combined effort from police and the community to effectively cut off supply and reduce demand within the state.
