5-kg heroin seized from 2 smugglers

Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, November 23

The Narcotics Control cell of the district police has busted a three-member gang of smugglers by arresting two of its members.

On a tip-off, a police team led by inspector Sunil Kumar, incharge of the Narcotic Control cell at Thathi Jaimal Singh village, signalled an SUV to stop for checking.

During the search, the police team seized 5 kg heroin, Rs 32 lakh old Indian currency, a 9 mm pistol, 100 rounds of different bores and a computerised weighbridge. The consignment is worth Rs 25 crore in the international market.

The police have also taken the SUV that the accused were driving into custody.

SSP Manmohan Kumar Sharma told mediapersons today that the arrested gang members were brothers. They were identified as Nasib Singh and Kuldeep Singh of Thathi Jaimal Singh village. Gurbhej Singh Bheja of Madar Mathra Bhagi village (Khalra), the third member and leader of the gang, has international links.

The district police chief said that the gang was using the river for smuggling. Smugglers from across the border would pack the heroin in plastic bottles and dispatch it down the river. Indian smugglers -- using Pakistani mobile SIMs -- would collect these from a particular point, he said.