Bhagwant Mann: In a major operation against organized crime, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled an alleged cross-border network involved in illegal arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and hawala transactions, leading to the arrest of four accused and the apprehension of two juveniles.
Bhagwant Mann Busts Cross-Border Arms, Drug and Hawala Network
According to Punjab Police, the operation resulted in the recovery of 1.035 kilograms of heroin, five sophisticated pistols, two live cartridges, and ₹5 lakh suspected to be linked to drug-related activities.
Afghan National Among Accused
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were allegedly working in coordination with foreign-based associates and handlers. Police officials stated that the network is suspected of procuring consignments of illegal weapons and narcotics through social media platforms before distributing them at the direction of overseas operatives.
Authorities also revealed that one of the arrested individuals is an Afghan national. Investigators are examining the extent of the network’s international connections and its possible links to cross-border criminal activities.
An FIR has been registered at Cantonment Police Station in Amritsar, and further investigations are underway. Police teams are currently working to establish both backward and forward linkages of the network, identify additional associates, and trace the source and destination of the recovered contraband.
Officials said the investigation will also focus on uncovering the financial channels allegedly used for hawala transactions and determining whether the network has connections to other criminal organizations operating within or outside the country.
Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance approach against drug trafficking, illegal arms smuggling, hawala operations, and organized crime. Authorities stated that sustained enforcement actions and intelligence-led operations will continue to target criminal networks that threaten public safety and security in the state.
The latest crackdown comes amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb cross-border smuggling and dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of narcotics and weapons across Punjab.
