In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Phillaur police have dismantled an inter-state poppy husk smuggling racket operating between Madhya Pradesh and Punjab and arrested two persons.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team from Phillaur intercepted a truck carrying 1.44 quintal of crushed poppy husk concealed beneath the sacks of onions and garlic during a naka operation near Lasara village.

The arrested smugglers have been identified as Buta Singh and Kulwant Singh, both residents of Sant Nagar, Phillaur. The truck used for transporting the contraband, bearing registration number Punjab-08-BR-9311, has also been impounded.

Talking to this correspondent, SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh stated that the operation was conducted by a police team headed by DSP Sarwan Singh Bal and SHO Inspector Sanjeev Kapoor.

During a naka, the police thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered eight sacks of poppy husk cleverly hidden under layers of vegetables to evade the detection.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a well-organised drug syndicate transporting poppy husk from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab.

The police have also identified two key accomplices in the racket, Bir Singh, alias Ghona, and Surjit Singh, alias Jita, who are absconding. They are believed to have played critical roles in coordinating the logistics and operations of the smuggling network. Raids are underway to apprehend them and gather further evidence on the syndicate.

SSP Khakh said both accused had prior criminal records. Buta Singh had been involved in theft cases, while Kulwant Singh had multiple cases under the NDPS Act against him. Investigators suspect that this racket has been operational for several years, smuggling poppy husk into Punjab and selling it at exorbitant rates in villages and towns across the state.

SSP Khakh described the seizure as a major blow to the inter-state drug trade. “This operation has disrupted a significant supply chain that was bringing drugs into Punjab. The Punjab Police is steadfast in its commitment to dismantling such networks and ensuring a drug-free state,” he said.

An FIR has been registered under Sections 15, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act at Phillaur Police Station.