Two smuggling modules busted, 10 arrested with 5.4 kg heroin

The Amritsar Police Commissionerate on Saturday claimed to have busted two organised smuggling modules, arresting 10 persons and recovering over 5.4 kg of heroin along with three sophisticated pistols and live ammunition from their possession.

During the investigation, the police uncovered networks allegedly being operated from Goindwal Sahib jail as well as from Pakistan and certain European countries.

The action followed three separate cases registered under the NDPS Act and the Arms Act at the Cantonment, Islamabad and Mohkampura police stations in the city.

Sharing details, Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the first breakthrough came on February 18 with the arrest of Gurpreet Singh, alias Billa (21), a resident of Guru Ki Wadali, who was found with 230 grams of heroin. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Lovepreet Singh, alias Love (25), of Boparai Baaz Singh village, from whom a Zigana 9mm pistol was recovered.

Further probe led to the arrest of Satnam Singh, alias Judge (28), of Sursingh village in Tarn Taran district, who was allegedly in possession of 2 kg of heroin, a Glock 9mm pistol and 32 live cartridges. An additional 1 kg of heroin was seized during follow-up raids. Lovepreet was also wanted in a murder case registered at the Lopoke police station in Amritsar Rural.

In a related operation, Manpreet Singh, alias Manna (30), of Patti and Gurlal Singh, alias Dima (38), of Mastgarh village were arrested with 205 grams of heroin, Rs 4,500 drug money and a motorcycle.

Further investigation led to the formal arrest of Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi (24), of Patti from Goindwal jail. Subsequently, Shankar Kumar (53), Anish, alias Yakki (23), and Ravi, alias Ganja alias Takla (30), all residents of Patti in Tarn Taran, were apprehended. Acting on their disclosures, the police recovered another 2.3 kg of heroin.

Investigations revealed that Gurlal Singh was in contact with foreign-based smugglers identified as Rahul and Satnam Singh, who allegedly coordinated consignments from Pakistan using drones. The police said the cartel operated under common handlers who managed the procurement, transportation and distribution of heroin and illegal weapons to criminal elements across various districts.

In a separate arms recovery, Rohit Sharma, alias Dakku (21), of the Sundar Nagar locality was arrested with a .32 bore pistol and two live cartridges.