Amritsar has emerged as a major hotspot for arms trafficking in Punjab, with security agencies recovering 74 pistols in the first 27 days of June 2026. Additional seizures include an AK-47 rifle, two sub-machine guns, and hundreds of live cartridges, highlighting the scale of cross-border smuggling operations.
Recent Busted Module and Recoveries
On June 27, the Amritsar city police commissionerate busted another weapon-smuggling module, recovering 10 pistols and nine cartridges. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the seizure. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated on X that the accused operated under the direction of a foreign-based handler, receiving consignments through covert cross-border routes before distributing them to criminal elements across Punjab.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar briefed mediapersons, noting that repeated recoveries indicate a larger challenge involving drones and other covert methods to push weapons into Punjab. He emphasized that these sophisticated firearms were destined for criminal gangs and organized crime networks, exacerbating law and order problems in the border state.
Timeline of Major Seizures in June
The following seizures mark a significant escalation in arms smuggling activity:
- June 27: 10 pistols, nine cartridges recovered; four arrested.
- June 25: Two sub-machine guns, eight pistols, and contraband seized.
- June 19: AK-47 rifle, 25 pistols, and 368 live cartridges recovered in a joint operation by Punjab Police, BSF, and ANTF.
- June 18: 11 sophisticated pistols and eight bullets seized.
- June 8: Eight sophisticated pistols recovered.
- June 5: Six pistols, over 1 kg heroin, and Rs 5 lakh drug money seized.
- June 3: Six pistols, over 1 kg heroin, and 12 live cartridges recovered.
These recoveries underscore the persistent threat of cross-border smuggling from Pakistan, which serves as a conduit for both drugs and weapons.
Investigation and Broader Implications
DGP Yadav said further investigations aim to expose the entire smuggling chain, including overseas suppliers, local receivers, and end-users of the weapons. A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Punjab's border with Pakistan has long been a route for smuggling, with many weapons later transported to other parts of India. In a related incident, police arrested a resident of Madhya Pradesh who had arrived near the international border to receive a pistol smuggled from Pakistan.
The repeated seizures point to a well-organized network exploiting drones and covert routes, posing a significant security challenge. Authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle these networks and prevent weapons from reaching criminal elements.
