Chandigarh Police bust cross-border narco-smuggling ring, 6 held

In a significant operation, the Chandigarh Police have apprehended six individuals suspected of being part of an international drug syndicate with operations extending across Tricity, Punjab and Pakistan.

The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of 654 grams of heroin, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, and 112 grams of cocaine, estimated to be worth ₹10-15 lakh.

The investigation was initiated following an FIR registered on August 5 under the NDPS Act.

The breakthrough came when ASI Naseeb Singh intercepted Pooja, daughter of a known drug peddler Bala, in Sector 38, Chandigarh, with 54 grams of cocaine. Her subsequent disclosures during police remand unravelled a wider smuggling chain involving inter-state suppliers and Pakistan-based handlers.

Subsequent raids led to the arrest of local smugglers Sameer and Mohd. Juned from Chandigarh, and Nihal, Amritpal and Sahibjeet Singh from Amritsar, Punjab. Police also informed that Amritpal, Sahibjeet and Juned were in contact with a Pakistani drug handler Zubair Rana.

Network and Modus Operandi

Investigations revealed that Pooja, a local peddler, sourced drugs from Sameer, who was linked to Mohd. Juned of Sector 25. Juned, in turn, purchased narcotics from Nihal Singh, Sahibjeet Singh alias Sabhu, and Amritpal Singh alias Gopi, all residents of Amritsar. These accused maintained direct contact with Zubair Rana, a Pakistan-based handler from Lahore, who coordinated drug deliveries across the border using drones. Another Amritsar-based contact, Yugraj, recently arrested by Punjab Police with half a kilogram of heroin, was also part of the network.

Police confirmed that Rana was attempting to expand smuggling operations further into India.

Accused Profiles and Recoveries

Pooja (Chandigarh): Recovered 54 grams cocaine and a scooter. In judicial custody.

Sameer (Chandigarh): Recovered 58.22 grams cocaine and 9.43 grams heroin. In judicial custody.

Mohd. Juned (Chandigarh): Seized 45.90 grams heroin. In judicial custody.

Nihal Singh (Amritsar, Punjab): Seized 36.04 grams heroin. He has previous NDPS cases and is in judicial custody.

Sahibjeet Singh alias Sabhu (Amritsar, Punjab): Seized 23 grams heroin. Previously arrested in Tricity drug cases. Currently in police custody.

Amritpal Singh alias Gopi (Amritsar, Punjab): Seized 538 grams heroin. He is described as the kingpin of the network with multiple previous NDPS cases. Police said he coordinated drone-based drug drops with the help of cross-border contacts and local couriers.

Police Statement

Chandigarh Police stated that the arrests mark a major step towards dismantling an international supply chain spanning Chandigarh, Punjab and Pakistan. “The operation has exposed strong cross-border links and the use of sophisticated methods such as drone drops for narcotics,” a police spokesperson said.

All six accused are facing charges under the NDPS Act. While four are in judicial custody, two remain in police custody for further interrogation. Authorities said more arrests could follow as the investigation into the wider syndicate continues.

The operation was led under the supervision of Jasbir Singh, SP-Crime, with close monitoring by DSP Dhiraj Kumar and Inspector Satvinder, SHO, Sector 11 Police Station. Police said the coordinated action was part of a larger drive to dismantle local drug networks and curb cross-border trafficking.