Punjab Police, in a joint operation with central agencies, achieved a significant breakthrough by dismantling a Pakistan-backed arms smuggling module in Tarn Taran. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of four sophisticated Glock-19 pistols, including one with the inscription ‘Made for NATO Army’, along with other incriminating items.

The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Thursday announced the success of the operation, informing that the seized items include four Glock-19 pistols, four magazines, seven live cartridges, and Rs 4.8 lakh in hawala money. The police also impounded a Maruti Swift car used by the accused.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Harpreet Singh alias Happy from Chappa Ram Singh in Jandiala Guru; and Lovepreet Singh from Basarke in Khalra. Both have a history of criminal activities, with previous cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

DGP Yadav highlighted the direct connections of Harpreet Singh with a Pakistan-based smuggler who is notorious for using drones to smuggle drugs and weapons across the border. The ongoing investigation aimed at unraveling the full extent of this smuggling network and identify other involved parties.

Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora, providing further details during a press conference, explained that the police were conducting routine checks near Sheron in Tarn Taran when they noticed a Maruti Suzuki Swift being driven erratically. The police signaled the car to stop, but the occupants attempted to flee, eventually crashing into barricades. Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered the pistols and hawala money.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Harpreet Singh established connections with criminal elements while incarcerated in Faridkot Jail, which led to his involvement with the Pakistan-based smuggler. Harpreet Singh is suspected of having delivered multiple weapon consignments to criminal groups, raising concerns about the extent of the arms smuggling network operating in Punjab.