Amritsar Police bust narco network, arrest two with over 3 kg heroin; 1 injured in encounter

The Amritsar Police Commissionerate has dismantled a drug trafficking network with the arrest of two accused and the recovery of over 3.154 kg of heroin.

The first accused, Lucky (aged 19), a resident of Bhalla Colony, Chheharta, and peddler with a previous case registered under the Arms Act and attempt to murder at the Maqboolpura police station, was arrested on August 8 with 150 grams of heroin from a consignment received a few days earlier.

His associate, Manik, managed to escape, but 3 kg heroin was recovered later on Lucky’s disclosure. Police investigations revealed that Lucky had travelled to Dubai in 2024 and after returning here, he was jailed in connection with an attempt to murder case, where he came in contact with major smugglers, including Karan Bhaiya, Joban and Manjit, alias Bholla. He later established links with Pakistan-based traffickers through a Europe-based smuggler and has confessed to delivering large consignments in the past, including 30 kg and 18 kg of heroin.

Three mobile phones were recovered during his arrest, two of which he tried to destroy on the spot, but one yielded incriminating chats and drop coordinates. A case under Sections 21-B, 21-C, 27-A, 29, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered at the Chheharta police station.

The second accused, Nirmal Singh, alias Surya, aged 22, a labourer from Kale village, Chheharta, was arrested on August 11 for distributing the contraband in the city on Lucky’s instructions.

At about 10.30 am on August 12, the police took Lucky to Guru Ki Wadali for recovery of heroin based on his disclosure statement. During the operation, Lucky snatched the service weapon of ASI Jaibir Singh and fired at the police party.

Despite warning shots fired in the air by ASI Lakhwinderpal, the accused again opened fire, prompting the official to retaliate in self-defence, injuring Lucky in his left leg. He was immediately shifted to the Civil Hospital for treatment. The operation was conducted under the supervision of DCP (Detective) Ravinderpal Singh, ADCP-2 Harpal Singh, ACP (West) Shivdarshan Singh and Chheharta police station SHO Inspector Vinod Sharma.

The police said efforts are underway to arrest the absconding accused, Manik.