Delhi Police arrest two key operatives in ISI-sponsored gun smuggling network at IGI Airport
According to the police, so far 12 persons have been arrested in this module, which was run by Shahbaz Ansari
Using specially-designed cavities on car doors and keeping the firearms in dismantled condition, the Delhi Police made two more arrests in the transnational arms trafficking racket backed by Pakistan’s ISI, officials said on Monday.
The arrested, identified as Imran, (37) and Kamran, (27), were held at IGI Airport by the authorities, on April 2, in response to the LOCs opened against them.
According to the police, so far 12 persons have been arrested in this module, which was run by Shahbaz Ansari, who was in direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers, with the seizure of 21 fire arms, including one submachine gun and 200 live cartridges.
DCP (Crime) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, while addressing the press, said that as per the directions of Shahbaz Ansari, both used to travel Nepal to receive consignments of firearms, which were clandestinely routed through cross-border channels. The weapons were transported in dismantled condition to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.
After receiving the consignment, Imran and Kamran used to smuggle them into India through unauthorised routes and safe transit points. Upon successful entry into the Indian territory, they used to reassemble the weapons and ensure their safe storage at pre-identified locations, the DCP added.
Investigation further reveals that the entire syndicate was functioning under the direction and guidance of handlers linked to Pakistan-based intelligence agency ISI. The network was structured with clear ulterior motive to destabilise internal security of India by facilitating with illegal supply of sophisticate firearms and generating funds for terrorist activities, the cop said.
Yadav further mentioned that as per inputs and evidence gathered during investigation, Ansari was acting as a key conduit between foreign-based handlers and ground-level operatives in Pakistan, Nepal and India. The procurement of weapons from Pakistan, their routing through Thailand to Nepal, and eventual smuggling into India were allegedly carried out in a coordinated manner under supervision of ISI.
The structured modus operandi-including dismantling of firearms during transit, reassembly in Nepal, use of specially fabricated vehicles with concealed cavities, and targeted distribution within India, indicates systematic planning consistent with organised cross-border hostile activities.
