Amritsar Police Bust Cross-Border Arms, Drug and Hawala Network
The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on Friday claimed to have successfully dismantled a cross-border illegal arms, narcotics, and hawala network with the arrest of six individuals, including two juveniles. Among those taken into custody was an Afghan national, hinting at possible international linkages in the racket.
Seizure and Arrests
During the operation, the police recovered 1.035 kg of heroin, five sophisticated pistols, two live cartridges, and Rs 5 lakh in suspected drug money from the accused. The arrests were made following a coordinated effort by the police force.
Director General of Punjab Police Gaurav Yadav shared the information on social media platform X, stating that as per preliminary investigations, the arrested individuals were allegedly operating in connivance with foreign-based associates and handlers. "The network is suspected to have been procuring consignments of illegal weapons and narcotics through social media platforms before distributing them at the directions of overseas operatives," said the DGP.
International Linkages
Police officials revealed that one of the arrested accused is an Afghan national, indicating possible international linkages in the racket. This has raised concerns about the involvement of foreign elements in the illegal trade.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that an FIR has been registered at Police Station Cantonment here under relevant provisions of the law. "Investigators are now working to establish both backward and forward linkages of the network, identify other associates involved, trace the source and destination of the contraband, and ascertain further recoveries," he added.
Ongoing Investigation
Further investigations are under way to uncover the full extent of the network. The police are also probing the role of social media platforms in facilitating the illegal activities. The operation marks a significant success for the Amritsar Commissionerate Police in their fight against cross-border crime.
