The North News
Chandigarh, January 29
The Punjab Police have exposed a major cross-border narco-terror network, seizing nearly 43 kilograms of heroin along with weapons and explosives in Amritsar district. The Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, said Amritsar Rural Police recovered 42.9kg of heroin, four hand grenades, a Star-mark pistol and 46 live cartridges during the operation, which was carried out with the support of Village Defence Committees (VDCs).
The Police said the recovery was made as part of the state government’s ongoing drive to make Punjab drug-free, launched under the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. According to the DGP, preliminary investigations suggest the narcotics, arms and explosives were dropped using drones from across the international border, indicating the involvement of an organised cross-border network.
Two men, both residents of Amritsar, have been detained for questioning. Police said further investigations are under way to trace other suspects and uncover the wider conspiracy.
Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Border Range, Sandeep Goel, said officers acted on intelligence received through the VDC network and intercepted a motorcycle in village Oothian. He said the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby fields after spotting the police.
A search operation was launched in the area, leading to the recovery of the drugs, weapons and explosives, police said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Amritsar Rural, Suhail Qasim Mir, said investigators were working to identify all those involved and dismantle the entire network.
A case has been registered at Rajasansi police station under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Explosive Substances Act.