In a significant crackdown, the Punjab Police has dismantled two cross-border drug cartels, recovering a staggering 9.2 kilograms of heroin and apprehending three individuals involved in the illicit trade. The operation, which unfolded near the International Border, exposed sophisticated smuggling methods involving drones and unearthed connections to organized crime networks.
The arrests were made following intensive surveillance and strategic raids across Amritsar and its surrounding areas. Police Commissioner Ranjit Singh Dhillon disclosed that the contraband, worth millions in the illegal market, was trafficked through unmanned aerial vehicles, highlighting the evolving tactics employed by transnational drug syndicates.
Among those detained were Bachitar Singh from Jathaul village, Sunny from Guru ki Wadali, and Amandeep Singh from Ranian village. Shockingly, Amandeep, previously entangled in a homicide case, had leveraged his proximity to the border to facilitate the seamless delivery of narcotics via drone drops directly to his residence. Despite a criminal past, including a parole release after serving time for murder, he continued to evade lawful scrutiny, amassing substantial wealth through nefarious means.
The investigation also uncovered a clandestine hawala network funneling cash transactions with smugglers based in Pakistan, underscoring the international dimensions of the operation. “These arrests mark a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks operating across borders,” stated Commissioner Dhillon.
In a simultaneous raid at Shiva Enclave, Rajasansi, police intercepted Bachitar Singh and an accomplice, seizing 8.2 kilograms of heroin along with drug money amounting to Rs 95,000 and other paraphernalia essential for their illicit trade. Bachitar, a proclaimed offender in a murder case since 2021, had been linked to previous violent incidents, reflecting the nexus between narcotics and organized crime.
Further intensifying their crackdown, the authorities seized an additional kilogram of heroin from Amandeep Singh in Ranjit Avenue, underscoring the widespread reach of these illegal operations. Financial investigations are now underway to freeze the assets amassed through drug profits, aiming to cripple the financial backbone of the apprehended individuals.
Commissioner Dhillon assured ongoing efforts to unravel the entire supply chain of narcotics, targeting suppliers, dealers, and buyers involved in these reprehensible activities. “Our focus remains resolute on dismantling these networks completely,” he affirmed.
As investigations continue, the Punjab Police remain vigilant, navigating complex webs of criminality to safeguard communities and disrupt the flow of illegal substances that threaten public safety and security. This operation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by cross-border drug trafficking and the steadfast commitment required to combat such transnational crimes effectively.
