Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
In a major crackdown on organized crime, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police, in a joint operation with a central agency, has dismantled an international arms, narcotics and hawala network operating across borders. Seven people, including an Afghan national and a juvenile, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Police recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons, 5.048 kilograms of heroin, and ₹30.38 lakh in suspected hawala and drug proceeds during the operation. Investigators said the network was involved in the supply of illegal firearms, drug trafficking and the movement of illicit funds through hawala channels.
Among the weapons seized were two machine guns and eight foreign-made pistols, including UZI sub-machine guns, Glock pistols, Zigana Sport pistols and other advanced firearms. Authorities described the syndicate as a highly organized operation with links to overseas handlers.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the action was part of the Punjab government's ongoing campaign against organized crime, gangster networks and drug trafficking. Preliminary investigations revealed that the network was allegedly being operated under the directions of foreign-based handler Harry Sarpanch and a notorious Pakistan-based smuggler.
According to police, Harry Sarpanch allegedly recruited young individuals by luring them into illegal activities and played a key role in managing the cross-border supply chain. Further investigations are underway to identify additional members of the network and trace its international links.
