Seven held for illegal mining

Amritsar: Seven persons were nabbed while four managed to escape during a police crackdown on illegal sand mining at various places in the rural belt here on Wednesday. During the raids, the police confiscated around 2,600 cubic feet of sand and six tractor trailers and a canter. Those arrested were identified as Sarvan Singh and Sakatar Singh of Bhalojala village, Major Singh of Kot Mehtab, Satpal Singh and Baldev Singh of Shejzada village and Deepak Masih and Peetar Masih of Gurchak village. Two of those who fled away have been identified as Gurbhej Singh and Baldev Singh. TNS

Three arrested with 5-kg opium

Tarn Taran: Three Rajasthan residents were arrested with 5 kg of opium by a team of the local Narcotic Cell, led by ASI Nirmal Singh, here on Friday. Kamaljit Singh, DSP (Investigation), said on the basis of a tip-off, the police intercepted a truck (registration no RJ-09-GB-0945) on the national highway near Sheron village. On search, the police confiscated 5 kg of opium from the truck. The DSP said the suspects have been identified as Gheesa, Imran Ali and Abad Husain. A case under Sections 18, 25, 29, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered by the Sarhali police in this connection, said the DSP. OC