Punjab Police: CM Bhagwant Mann Praises Amritsar Rural Police for Busting ISI-Backed Arms-Smuggling Network

In a major breakthrough against trans-border terrorism and organized crime, the Amritsar Rural Police, in close coordination with central agencies, have successfully dismantled a Pakistan-ISI-backed arms and drug smuggling network, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) confirmed on Thursday.

The joint operation led to the arrest of five key individuals involved in the smuggling racket. The seizure includes a cache of sophisticated weapons and contraband, notably: 

In a significant breakthrough, Amritsar Rural Police, in close coordination with central agencies, dismantles a major trans-border smuggling network of sophisticated arms and drug money, operated by #Pakistan-ISI backed handlers.

The crackdown led to the arrest of five key… pic.twitter.com/ZGtBkdOckf

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) July 27, 2025

One AK Saiga 308 assault rifle with two magazines

Two Glock 9mm pistols with four magazines

90 live cartridges for the assault rifle

10 live 9mm cartridges

₹7.5 lakh in drug-related cash

One vehicle and three mobile phones

According to preliminary investigations, the accused were in direct contact with ISI operatives based in Pakistan. The consignment, intercepted before its delivery, was allegedly meant for Nav @ Nav Pandori, a known associate of notorious gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, pointing toward a deepening nexus between gangsters and cross-border terror handlers.

State Pushes Back Against Cross-Border Threats

Reacting to the development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lauded the efforts of the police and central intelligence units, stating that his government remains committed to rooting out terror modules, organized crime, and narco-terrorism from the state.

“This is not just a criminal crackdown but a direct blow to cross-border networks attempting to destabilize Punjab. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold peace and harmony,” Mann said in a statement.

DGP Punjab also emphasized that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network’s operations, including both forward and backward linkages, financial channels, and local facilitators.

Broader Implications

Officials believe the recovered weapons and cash were part of a larger network aimed at fuelling violence and drug trade in northern India. The use of high-grade foreign firearms and coordination with known gangland figures suggests that terror outfits are increasingly turning to domestic criminals to further their objectives.

This arrest adds to a growing list of counter-operations undertaken by the Punjab Police in recent months to intercept arms consignments, dismantle sleeper cells, and prevent the misuse of Punjab as a corridor for narco-terrorism.