Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
Amritsar Rural Police have busted a drug trafficking, illegal arms and explosives smuggling network with the arrest of seven people, including three juveniles, in two separate operations. The police recovered 3.4 kg of heroin, one hand grenade, two .30-bore pistols and 29 live cartridges, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday.
The accused arrested in the first operation have been identified as Ajay (28), a resident of Mudh Khokhar, and Robin Masih alias Noni (22), a resident of Sultanwind. In the second operation, police arrested Gurlal Singh (20) and Rashpal Singh (18), both residents of Lopoke, along with three 17-year-old juveniles. An unregistered Hero Splendor motorcycle was also impounded.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations suggested that the accused were in contact with foreign-based smugglers and allegedly transporting illegal weapons for distribution among criminal elements. Further investigation is underway to identify the entire network and establish its links.
IGP Border Range Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police intercepted Ajay and Robin at a checkpoint in Manawala following intelligence inputs. A search led to the recovery of 3.4 kg of heroin, one .30-bore pistol and 19 live cartridges. The operation was conducted in coordination with a central agency.
In the second operation, a joint team of the CIA and Lopoke police station intercepted the group following information about the alleged smuggling of weapons and explosives through local youths. Police recovered a live hand grenade, one .30-bore pistol and 10 live cartridges.
SSP Amritsar Rural Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said Ajay was facing at least five criminal cases, including four under the NDPS Act and one under the Arms Act.
Two separate FIRs have been registered at Chatiwind and Lopoke police stations under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. Further investigation is underway.
