In a major breakthrough against cross-border narcotics smuggling, Punjab Police on Sunday dismantled an international drug cartel with deep links to Pakistan. Six individuals, including an Indian Army jawan and a dismissed Punjab Police constable, were apprehended in a meticulously planned operation.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the arrests, revealing the seizure of 4.8 kilograms of heroin, a .30 bore pistol with three cartridges, Rs 30,000 in drug money, and two vehicles used for smuggling—a Thar and an XUV-500.
The accused include Jarnail Singh, currently serving in the Indian Army; Amardeep Singh, a former Punjab Police employee; Dimple Rani from Ferozepur; and three others—Ramandeep Kaur, Sarabjeet Singh, and Amritpal Singh—from Moga district.
This success stemmed from a two-month intelligence operation that uncovered jail-based obstructions, exposing the network’s border connections. Initial probes indicate the group collaborated with Pakistani smugglers deploying drones to ferry heroin across the international border into India.
The operation kicked off on the night of February 20-21 when CIA staff in Faridkot intercepted a Thar vehicle near Green Avenue. A search, supervised by DCP Tarlochan Singh, yielded 1.008 kg of heroin and cash, leading to the arrest of four occupants.
Interrogation revealed Amardeep Singh as the supplier, traveling in an XUV-500. Police swiftly nabbed him and Dimple Rani near Goleana Semlana village, recovering 3.796 kg of heroin and the pistol.
SSP Faridkot Pragya Jain highlighted Amardeep’s criminal history with nine prior cases, while others face charges under NDPS and Arms Acts. The gang allegedly misused official IDs to evade checkpoints and toll plazas.
Further investigations aim to unravel upstream Pakistani handlers and downstream distribution networks within the state. The accused are in police remand for deeper questioning, signaling Punjab Police’s renewed vigor against drug syndicates threatening national security.