CI busts cross-border narco network, 3-kg heroin seized

In a breakthrough against trans-border drug trafficking, the Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Amritsar police, acting on an intelligence tip-off, busted a cross-border heroin smuggling module with direct links to Pakistan. In a late-night operation, CI personnel arrested one person and seized a 3-kg heroin consignment that had reportedly been smuggled into India via drones from across the International Border.

The operation was based on intelligence that Balvir Singh, alias Veeru, a resident of Attari, and Harpreet Singh, a resident of Mohalla Mahantpura, Attari, were working closely with Pakistan-based drug traffickers. The duo was allegedly receiving large consignments of heroin with the help of Pakistani smugglers using drones, particularly in the border village of Dhanoa in Amritsar district.

The tip-off further revealed that the suspects had recently received a fresh consignment of narcotics during the previous night and were heading to deliver it near Morh village along the Amritsar-Attari GT Road. Acting swiftly, the Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, registered an FIR under Sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act.

Following the FIR, a targeted raid was conducted. The CI team managed to apprehend Balvir Singh from the Attari road stretch, while his accomplice, Harpreet Singh, fled the scene and is currently absconding. Upon searching the arrested individual, the team recovered 3 kg of heroin, which is estimated to have a high market value in the international drug trade.

Preliminary investigations have confirmed that Harpreet Singh was in direct contact with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler identified as Rana Dyal. The accused allegedly used drones to transport heroin across the border into Indian territory, which was then intended for further distribution to various parties across Punjab.

Security officials said efforts are underway to apprehend Harpreet Singh, who is still at large. The arrested accused, Balvir Singh, will be produced in a local court where the police will seek remand for further questioning.

A senior intelligence officer involved in the case stated, “We are actively probing the backward and forward linkages of this network. Our focus is to uncover the full extent of this cross-border operation and identify other individuals or groups involved.”