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SAS Nagar Police dismantled an international drug syndicate employing innovative methods to smuggle narcotics into Punjab. The operation culminated in the arrest of two operatives who were using jackets to conceal heroin. The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday announced the successful operation, stating that the police recovered three half-sleeve jackets, each containing 500 grams of heroin, totaling 1.5 kilograms.
 
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sukhdeep Singh alias Raja, a resident of Bhana in Faridkot; and Krishan, hailing from Ajaib in Rohtak. In addition to the drugs, police seized their white Hyundai Aura (HR 12 AT 7091), which they were using to transport narcotics disguised as a taxi.
 
Yadav revealed that preliminary investigations have uncovered connections between the arrested duo and an Afghan national based in Delhi, suggesting links to international drug cartels. “These drug consignments were bought from an Afghan national based in Delhi, exposing their network with international drug cartels and their clever tactics of hiding heroin in jackets to evade detection,” said the DGP.
 
The operational methods of the syndicate — hiding heroin in jackets — indicate a high level of sophistication aimed at evading law enforcement. The investigation revealed that Sukhdeep and Krishan had smuggled four separate consignments of heroin over the past two months in collusion with a notorious drug smuggler from Kotkapura, Lakhwinder Singh.
 
Lakhwinder Singh, who is currently evading arrest, is believed to be the mastermind behind this drug trafficking network, having previously faced at least 10 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The recent consignment of 10 kilograms of heroin was reportedly acquired in mid-September, intended for distribution in Moga. The police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend Lakhwinder Singh and further dismantle this extensive drug network.
 
DIG Ropar Range, Nilambari Jagdale, provided insights into the operation, detailing how the police acted on a reliable tip-off regarding the two suspects traveling from Delhi to Mohali in a white Hyundai Aura. Police teams, led by DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar, swiftly established a special checkpoint near the Dappar toll plaza in Lalru, successfully intercepting the vehicle and seizing the narcotics.
 
Mohali SSP Deepak Pareek disclosed that Sukhdeep Singh has a criminal history, having been involved in a kidnapping case registered against him in 2020. Since his release on bail from Faridkot Jail in May 2024, Sukhdeep has reportedly reintegrated into the drug smuggling network, commencing operations in July 2024. The police have identified a rental accommodation in Sohana, SAS Nagar, where the accused facilitated their drug trafficking activities.
 
An FIR, dated October 3, 2024, has been registered under sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Lalru in SAS Nagar, marking a significant step in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Punjab.
 
“Police teams are on a manhunt to nab absconding Lakhwinder Singh. Further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case,” added the DGP.