Punjab: DRI inspector among eight nabbed for drug trafficking

The CIA wing of the Amritsar police commissionerate has arrested a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Inspector and seven other persons in connection with cross-border drug trafficking. Over 4 kg heroin was seized from their possession.

Four separate cases have been registered against them at the Ranjit Avenue and Chheharta police stations here.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the DRI Inspector, identified as Manjit Singh (24) of Rohtak in Haryana, and Ravi Kumar (35) of Gandhi Nagar in Ferozepur were helping the drug cartel for easy money. The police also seized a motorcycle used by the accused for the transportation of drugs.

“They were sourcing drug consignments from across the border. Ravi was in contact with foreign-based smugglers,” said the Police Commissioner. Further investigations led to the arrest of six more persons involved in drug smuggling and hawala financing, he added.

Other persons arrested in connection with the case were: Palwinder Singh (34), alias Tindu, of Dhanoa Khurd village; Rohit Sharma (34) of Harkrishan Nagar; Abhishek Singh (19) of Chogawan; Arshdeep Singh (19) of Baba Deep Singh Colony, Chheharta; Amit Kumar (34), alias Sonu, of Sunder Nagar; and Satnam Singh (26) of Chhidan village in the Lopoke area. They were part of the second module involved in the racket.

Bhullar said a preliminary probe revealed that Amit was operating a cross-border hawala network to facilitate drug trade in the area.

He said the police had also identified another person involved in drug smuggling. Efforts were being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs purchased by the arrested individuals so far, he added.