Cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling network busted in Punjab; five arrested

Arms and narcotics seized by Punjab Police during the raid. Pic/X

In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police have busted a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling network. The network has been busted in Amritsar with the arrest of five people and recovery of 1.5 kg of heroin and 12 pistols on Thursday, news agency PTI reported, citing police officers.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in a post on social media platform X, stated, "Preliminary investigation revealed that out of five accused, Joban Singh and Jashanpreet Singh were in direct touch with Pakistan-based smugglers. It has also been informed that both of them communicated with Pakistan-based smugglers via social media to receive and deliver arms and narcotics consignments. He added that 12 pistols and 1.50 kg of heroin were recovered from their possession. The pushed-in consignments are meant to fuel inter-gang rivalries in Punjab."

A case has been registered under the Arms Act and the Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substances Act at Gate Hakima Police Station in Amritsar against the accused, and further investigation is underway, PTI reported.

"Further investigation is underway to expose the full nexus, including the backward and forward linkages of this network, the DGP further stated.

Jammu and Kashmir Police attach terrorist handler's property

The Handwara Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday attached the property of an alleged terrorist handler at Palpora village in Kupwara district.

Earlier, Sopore Police had conducted search operations at the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-linked individuals in Zaloora, Sopore, in its continued efforts to dismantle the separatist-terror ecosystem and maintain peace and security.

According to police officers, the searches were carried out at the houses of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, the son of Abdul Rahim Bhat, and Tanveer Ahmad Dar, the son of Abdul Jabbar Dar, both of whom hail from Zaloora.

The operations were conducted in connection with FIRs registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the searches, incriminating material linked to the proscribed organisation was recovered and seized for further investigation, which was further probed by the agencies.

(With inputs from PTI)