Interstate opium supply network busted in Amritsar, 2 traffickers arrested

The Amritsar police has dismantled an interstate opium supply network with the arrest of two traffickers and seizure of a significant quantity of contraband.

Acting on a tip-off, police set up a checkpoint near Golden Gate, Amritsar, on Saturday and intercepted a vehicle.

During the operation, Harwinder Singh alias Harry and Ranjit Singh alias Rana, both residents of Amritsar Rural, were arrested. They were allegedly transporting consignments of opium from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, for distribution within Punjab.

The police recovered 12 kg of opium, a Thar Roxx vehicle, and Rs 6,000 in drug money from the accused.

An FIR under Sections 18 and 29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Maqboolpura Police Station, Amritsar.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar revealed that Harwinder Singh has been active in narcotics trafficking since 2022. His brother, Gurpreet Singh, is currently on trial in another case involving 7 kg of recovered opium.

Harwinder also has a prior case related to an accident. Ranjit Singh, however, has no previous criminal record and holds a diploma in civil engineering but has been working in agriculture, said Bhullar.

Officials stated that investigations are ongoing to trace the full supply chain and identify other members of the network.