Kapurthala smuggler Gurnam Singh detained under PIT-NDPS Act

In a decisive move to curb drug trafficking, Punjab Police has detained notorious Kapurthala-based smuggler Gurnam Singh under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act.

The order, issued under Section 3 of the Act, empowers the state to place habitual offenders in preventive custody to stop them from engaging in the narcotics trade.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, said the step was part of the state’s ongoing campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War against Drugs). He added that Gurnam Singh, a resident of village Sainchan in Sultanpur Lodhi, was a repeat offender facing three serious cases under the NDPS Act. “The accused was actively involved in peddling narcotics. His detention will help disrupt the chain of drug trafficking in the region,” the DGP said.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora, the accused was convicted once earlier after being caught with 250 grams of heroin in June 2016. He was later arrested in March 2017 with 2 kg of heroin, followed by another arrest in September 2021, when police recovered 400 grams of heroin from him. Considering his repeated involvement, the authorities ordered his preventive detention for one year. He has been lodged in Central Jail, Bathinda, where he will remain under strict surveillance.

SSP Gaurav Toora stressed that this detention marks another significant milestone in the state’s battle against drugs. He reiterated their commitment to enforcing the harshest legal measures against those involved in smuggling and distribution, ensuring that repeat offenders are kept out of circulation. “This action reflects our zero-tolerance approach. Punjab Police will continue to use all legal provisions to dismantle the drug mafia and safeguard the youth,” said SSP Toora.