The Commissionerate Police in Amritsar claimed on Wednesday to have dismantled an illegal arms smuggling network connected to handlers based abroad. Five individuals were arrested in the operation.
Details of the Operation
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar told reporters that preliminary investigations revealed the arrested suspects were in contact with a foreign-based smuggler using virtual numbers. The accused allegedly received weapon and narcotics consignments via drones from across the border and supplied them to criminal elements in Punjab.
Police teams seized eight sophisticated pistols and live cartridges during the operation. Officials believe the module was part of a larger network involved in cross-border smuggling and organized crime. Bhullar stated that an FIR was registered at Chheharta police station, and further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages and identify other associates connected to the racket.
Launch of Anti-Gangster Helpline
On the same day, the Punjab Police launched an anti-gangster helpline to encourage public participation in fighting organized crime. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the helpline, emphasizing that people can now directly share information about gangsters and criminal activities, with complete confidentiality guaranteed.
Yadav further stated that a cash reward of up to Rs 10 lakh would be provided for information leading to the arrest of gangsters. This initiative aims to strengthen community involvement in curbing criminal networks operating in the state.
The developments highlight the ongoing efforts by Punjab Police to tackle cross-border smuggling and organized crime, with a focus on leveraging public cooperation through the new helpline.
