Massive Blow to Drug Cartel: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hails Punjab Police, BSF, Rajasthan Police for 60 Kg Heroin Seizure Near Barmer Border

In a significant victory in the war against narcotics, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Rajasthan Police, has busted a major international drug cartel operating across borders. The operation led to the seizure of 60.302 kg of heroin near the India-Pakistan International Border in Barmer, Rajasthan.

In a massive crackdown, #Amritsar Commissionerate Police, with the support of #BSF and #Rajasthan Police, dismantles a major international drug cartel operated by #Pak-based smuggler Tanveer Shah and #Canada based handler Joban Kaler and recovers a huge consignment of 60.302 Kg… pic.twitter.com/KRCItxlxx0

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) June 30, 2025

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hails Amritsar Police, BSF, Rajasthan Police

The cartel was reportedly managed by Pakistan-based smuggler Tanveer Shah and his Canada-based associate Joban Kaler. The Punjab Police confirmed the arrest of nine operatives, including hawala operators, from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir in coordinated raids.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann praised the swift and decisive action, reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy against narco-terrorism. He lauded the police force and its allies for their firm stand in protecting the state’s youth from the drug menace.

International Narco-Network Unraveled

According to officials, the cartel used cross-border tunnels and encrypted messaging networks to smuggle drugs into India. Intelligence inputs and technical surveillance played a crucial role in intercepting the massive consignment.

The Punjab Police, under DGP Gaurav Yadav, emphasized that it remains committed to dismantling international drug syndicates and safeguarding Punjab from narcotic threats.

This seizure marks one of the largest cross-border drug hauls in recent months and a major dent in the operations of transnational smuggling rackets with alleged links to Pakistan and Canada.

Sources have also revealed that during the raids, authorities seized high-end vehicles, unaccounted cash, mobile phones, and digital records linked to hawala transactions. Forensic teams are analyzing the electronic devices to trace the money trail and connections with foreign handlers.