Punjab Police seize 47 kg heroin and weapons from four in Faridkot

Punjab Police have arrested four people and seized 47.3 kg of heroin, three .30-bore pistols and ammunition while claiming to have uncovered a cross-border drug and arms smuggling network in Faridkot, officials said Sunday.

The arrested accused have been identified as Ankush, Mangal Singh, Sachin alias Sanju and Anmol Singh, all residents of Ferozepur. Police also seized three magazines, 15 live cartridges and two vehicles allegedly used to transport the contraband.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the preliminary investigation indicated that the accused were connected to a network involved in bringing heroin and illegal weapons across the border into Punjab.

Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police Gurbans Singh Bains said the arrests were made after police intercepted a car during a checkpoint set up ahead of the Baba Farid Agman Purab festival on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the heroin, firearms and ammunition.

According to the SSP, investigators have found that the gang allegedly received consignments of heroin and weapons dropped by drones from across the border in the Fazilka and Ferozepur areas. The material was then allegedly meant for distribution at different locations in the state.

Police are now investigating the wider network and attempting to establish its forward and backward links, including the sources and intended recipients of the consignments.

A case has been registered at Sadiq police station in Faridkot under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Arms Act. Further investigation is underway.

with inputs from PTI