Drug trafficking cartel busted, woman among four arrested

The Amritsar Commissionerate Police dismantled a major drug trafficking cartel with the arrest of four individuals, including a woman, and seized 5 kg of heroin from their possession. The arrested suspects have been identified as Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, (19) and Baljeet Kaur (32), both residents of Muthiaval village in Tarn Taran; Maninder Singh (34), a resident of Bhikhiwind in Tarn Taran; and Harpreet Singh (26), from Lodhi Gujar village in Amritsar. Police also impounded two motorcycles used by the accused.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the suspects were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and received drug consignments via drones. He added that investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages, with more arrests and recoveries expected.

Sharing details of the operation, Amritsar Commissioner of Police (CP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said acting on reliable information, a police team led by DCP Harpreet Singh Mander, ADCP Navjot Singh, and ACP Detective Kuldeep Singh, under the supervision of CIA Staff-1 in-charge Inspector Amolkdeep Singh, apprehended Gurpreet Singh and Baljeet Kaur on January 1 in the Guru Ki Wadali area. The team seized 3 kg of heroin from their possession.

It was revealed that Gurpreet Singh and Baljeet Kaur are related as nephew and aunt. Notably, Baljeet Kaur’s husband, Balbir Singh, was arrested in 2022 under the NDPS Act in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar, where 5 kg of heroin was recovered. He is currently lodged in Karnpur Jail, Rajasthan.

The CP stated that efforts are underway to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers and to determine the total quantity of drugs handled by the arrested individuals.

A case has been registered under Sections 21(c), 23, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Chheharta Police Station, Amritsar.