Narco syndicate with foreign links busted

The UT police have busted a foreign-backed interstate narco syndicate with the arrest of three men, including a notorious gangster linked to multiple murders. Heroin worth about Rs1.5 crore, along with a weapon, ammunition and a car, have been seized.

The operation began on August 30, when ASI Bhupinder Singh’s team arrested Baljit Singh, alias Baba (55), a resident of Gurdaspur, at Sector 43 here. He was found in possession of 109.86 grams of heroin and a countrymade pistol with a live cartridge.

Investigations revealed that Baljit was in close contact with US-based traffickers Bhupinder and Dalbir, and was actively supplying drugs in the Tricity region with accomplices Parvinder Pal Singh, alias Midda, and Mandeep Singh, alias Mandy. Acting swiftly, the police arrested both of them, recovering 121 grams of heroin from Midda and 25 grams from Mandy. In total, 255.86 grams of heroin was seized along with the weapon and the vehicle. The police estimate the consignment’s market value at Rs 1.5 crore.

Criminal background

Baljit Singh, with a history of violent crimes, including a double murder and the killing of a naib-tehsildar in 2010, has spent years in the prison. He forged ties with international drug traffickers while incarcerated, notably associating with Jasmeet Singh, alias Lucky, a narco-gangster arrested in the US.

Parvinder Pal Singh, 41, a double postgraduate, previously worked in finance sector, was implicated in a rape case in Chandigarh. He later joined Baljit in drug trafficking after meeting him in the city.

Mandeep Singh, 32, a BTech graduate and former employee of Jio, reportedly turned to drugs following personal setbacks and later became involved in peddling under the syndicate’s influence.

Encrypted messaging

The syndicate operated through encrypted messaging apps, keeping couriers of drugs and cash collectors at separate locations to avoid detection. Deliveries were made only after payments were confirmed. The police said the syndicate’s strong links to US-based handlers underscored the growing challenge of transnational drug smuggling.

The further investigations are under way to trace the international network and financial channels backing the syndicate.