In a major crackdown on organized crime, the Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border illegal arms and narcotics network with the arrest of seven individuals, including an Afghan national, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday.
Acting in a joint operation with a central agency, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police recovered over 5 kilograms of heroin, 10 sophisticated weapons, including two sub-machine guns, and ₹30.38 lakh in cash from the accused.
According to the DGP, preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested individuals were allegedly linked to foreign-based handlers who coordinated operations through social media platforms. The accused were responsible for receiving consignments of narcotics and illegal weapons and distributing them to criminal elements in different areas.
Investigators have also found that the network used hawala channels to facilitate financial transactions across multiple locations.
An FIR has been registered at the Islamabad Police Station, Amritsar, and further investigations are underway to identify additional associates, establish backward and forward linkages, and uncover the full extent of the international smuggling network.
Punjab Police officials stated that more arrests and recoveries are expected as the probe progresses.
