Massive drug seizure in Amritsar: Cross-border cartel busted; 30 kg heroin seized

Amritsar police have recovered over 30 kg heroin while dismantling a cross-border drug smuggling cartel and arrested six accused involved in the illegal narcotics trade on Thursday.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed links to a Dubai-based smuggler who allegedly coordinated the trafficking of heroin consignments across the international border.

The arrested accused allegedly acted on his instructions, retrieving drug consignments from pre-designated locations and further distributing them across various parts of Punjab, the DGP said in a post on X.

The operation highlights the growing nexus between international drug traffickers and local operatives. Police officials said the seized heroin was worth nearly Rs 200 crore in the international black market, underscoring the scale of the racket.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act at Chheharta police station in Amritsar.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said investigations are underway to uncover the cartel’s complete network, including backward and forward linkages, financial transactions and possible hawala connections used to facilitate the illegal trade.

Further arrests and recoveries are expected as the investigation progresses, he added.