In a significant victory against trans-border narcotic smuggling networks, Punjab Police has made substantial recoveries in Amritsar, seizing 10 kg of heroin in two separate incidents. The operations resulted in the arrest of four individuals involved in drug trafficking, delivering a major blow to the illegal drug trade in the region.
In the first operation, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police arrested Lakhwinder Singh, also known as Lakha, from Khemkaran, and recovered five kg of heroin from his possession. The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that Lakha was in direct contact with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler named Ali. The consignment was transported using drones, a method increasingly employed by traffickers to evade border security.
Police teams also seized a Splendor motorcycle that Lakha was using at the time of his arrest. The entire search and seizure process was documented via videography in the presence of a Gazetted Officer, adhering to the provisions of new criminal laws. This meticulous approach is part of an ongoing investigation to trace both backward and forward linkages in the case.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police (CP) Ranjit Singh Dhillon shared that the arrest was made based on reliable intelligence that Lakha was en route from Khemkaran to Amritsar with the drug consignment. A trap was laid by CIA-2 teams under the supervision of ADCP CITY-2 Abhimanyu Rana, leading to Lakha's capture. An FIR (No. 130) has been registered under sections 21C, 23, and 25 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Islamabad in Amritsar.
In a parallel operation, the Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar apprehended three drug smugglers — Rasal Singh of Naushehra in Tarn Taran; Jaskaran Singh of Vanieke in Amritsar; and Amritpal Singh of Sahura in Amritsar. The arrest led to the recovery of another five kg of heroin, bringing the total heroin seized in Amritsar to approximately 27.2 kg in less than a week’s time.
The trio was intercepted at Baghdhian Morh in Ranike village after CI Amritsar received intelligence that they had retrieved a narcotics consignment dropped by drone at Dhanoe village near the border. The police also impounded a Yamaha scooter used by the smugglers, bearing registration number PB-02-DW-4187.
DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasized that the trio had direct connections with Pakistan-based drug smugglers. The search and seizure operation was similarly documented in the presence of a Gazetted Officer. An FIR (No. 37) has been lodged under sections 21, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.
These successful operations underscore the ongoing efforts of the Punjab Police under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in their war against drugs. The coordinated actions of the police teams and the use of reliable intelligence have proven effective in curbing the activities of drug trafficking networks operating across the India-Pakistan border.
The DGP reiterated the commitment of the Punjab Police to continue its rigorous crackdown on narcotics smuggling, ensuring that those involved are brought to justice. The investigations remain active, aiming to dismantle the broader networks and hold accountable all those connected to these illegal activities.
27.2kg Heroin Recovered from Amritsar in Five Days
June 28: Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted two separate cross-border drug smuggling cartels being operated by Pak-based smugglers with the arrest of three drug traffickers after recovering 9.2 kg heroin (8.2Kg+1Kg) from their possession.
June 29: Amritsar Rural Police busted two more Pak-backed drug smuggling rackets with the arrest of six persons after recovering 8kg heroin and three pistols from their possession
July 2: Amritsar Commissionerate Police arrested drug smuggler identified as Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakha of Khemkaran after recovering 5kg heroin from his possession
July 2: Counter Intelligence Amritsar has arrested three drug smugglers after recovering 5kg heroin from their possession
