Amritsar Police, in coordination with a central agency, dismantled a cross-border network involved in illegal arms, narcotics, and hawala transactions. Seven individuals, including an Afghan national and a juvenile, were arrested during the operation.
Authorities recovered 10 sophisticated weapons, such as two sub-machine guns, along with 5.048 kg of heroin and Rs 30.38 lakh in hawala money. The seizure represents a major disruption to an international smuggling syndicate operating across borders.
Investigation reveals foreign handlers using social media
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were in contact with foreign-based handlers who coordinated activities through social media platforms. The network received consignments of narcotics and illegal weapons, subsequently distributing them to criminal elements in various regions.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav stated on X that evidence suggests the use of hawala channels to facilitate financial transactions linked to drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The seized cash is believed to be connected to these illegal operations, according to the DGP.
Police highlight transnational criminal syndicate threat
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the arrests expose a well-organized network involved in trafficking drugs, illegal arms, and illicit funds. He added that the involvement of foreign-based operatives underscores the growing challenge posed by transnational criminal syndicates using digital platforms to coordinate activities.
A case has been registered at Islamabad Police Station in Amritsar. Further investigations are underway to establish backward and forward linkages, identify additional associates connected to the foreign-based network, and uncover more recoveries and arrests, Bhullar added.
Recovered items and legal proceedings
The recovered items include two sub-machine guns, 5.048 kg of heroin, and Rs 30.38 lakh in cash believed to be hawala money. Police are working to trace the origins of the weapons and drugs, as well as the full extent of the financial network.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts by Punjab Police and central agencies to combat cross-border smuggling and drug trafficking, which have been persistent challenges in the region. The involvement of an Afghan national highlights the international dimension of the syndicate.
