Bhagwant Mann's Punjab Police On a Roll! Busts Drug and Hawala Syndicate, Arrests Five

In a major crackdown on drug financing, the Punjab Police, led by Tarn Taran Police, dismantled a drug and hawala syndicate, arresting five individuals and recovering illegal weapons, narcotics, and cash. The operation, aimed at curbing organized crime, also led to the arrest of a key hawala facilitator linked to Dubai-based drug cartels.

In a decisive action against drug financing, @TarnTaranPolice dismantles a drug and hawala syndicate, leading to the arrest of five persons and the recovery of illegal weapons, narcotics, and cash.

During the operation, the accused opened fire on the police party, prompting a… pic.twitter.com/SQKU8FJOWj

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) March 20, 2025

Gunfire During Operation, Two Accused Injured

According to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), the accused opened fire on the police party during the operation, forcing law enforcement to retaliate in self-defense. As a result, two of the suspects sustained leg injuries and were immediately provided medical care.

Hawala Kingpin Iqbal Singh Confesses to Cross-Border Drug Transactions

Further investigations revealed that Iqbal Singh, a key player in the hawala network, was responsible for channeling ₹50 crore over the last three months to finance cross-border drug smuggling. His confession sheds light on the deep-rooted financial connections between Punjab-based networks and international drug cartels, particularly those operating from Dubai.

Massive Seizures Under NDPS Act & Arms Act

The police registered an FIR under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Arms Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The crackdown resulted in the recovery of:

7 kg opium

3 pistols (30 bore) with 6 magazines

₹23.10 lakh in drug money

A currency counting machine

Other incriminating materials

Punjab Police’s Continued Fight Against Drug Cartels

Punjab Police reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling the drug trade and hawala networks that fund smuggling operations. The latest action underscores the state’s intensified efforts to curb the drug menace and organized crime.

Authorities have vowed to continue the crackdown, with investigations ongoing to identify more links in the syndicate.