Illegal weapons seized in Amritsar, BSF foils smuggling in Tarn Taran

Security agencies in Punjab have made a breakthrough against illegal arms smuggling and cross-border networks by arresting multiple suspects and seizing a cache of weapons in separate operations conducted in Amritsar Rural and Tarn Taran districts.

In an intelligence-driven operation, the Amritsar Rural Police apprehended two individuals and seized three pistols, 10 live cartridges, a mobile phone and a numberless motorcycle. The arrested suspects were identified as Prabhjit Singh alias Happa and Jasandeep Singh, both residents of Daoke village near the Indo-Pak border.

The weapons include two PX5 pistols (.30 bore), one Star Mark pistol (.30 bore) and 10 live cartridges.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Gurinderpal Singh Nagra said the police had received intelligence that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and were procuring and supplying illegal firearms through social media channels. Acting swiftly, the police team arrested the duo and seized the weapons.

A case has been registered against them under Sections 25(8)/54/59 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Gharinda police station. Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network, and further arrests are anticipated.

Meanwhile, in a separate action against cross-border smuggling, the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled two smuggling attempts along the Indo-Pak border in Tarn Taran district, arresting an Indian smuggler and seizing two pistols — one suspected to have been dropped by a drone.

BSF personnel apprehended the smuggler in a paddy field near Wan village, along with a mobile phone. During questioning, the accused disclosed details of a concealed consignment. A subsequent joint search operation with Punjab Police led to the recovery of a pistol and two magazines. The smuggler was handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation and action.

In another joint operation with the police, the BSF seized a pistol with a magazine wrapped in yellow adhesive tape and fitted with a metal loop — indicating it had likely been air-dropped by a drone from across the border.