Fazilka: In a major breakthrough against cross-border crime, Fazilka Police has uncovered an international arms smuggling module allegedly operated with the support of handlers based in Pakistan. Acting on a tip-off, the police arrested two suspects and seized a cache of foreign-made weapons intended for delivery to criminal elements within Punjab.
The accused, identified as Surinder Singh and Gurpreet, were apprehended while attempting to hand over five imported .30 bore pistols and nine magazines to operatives associated with local gangs. The operation was reportedly carried out under the guidance of handlers operating from outside the country.
Weapons Intended for Criminal Gangs in Punjab
Preliminary investigations indicate that the recovered firearms were smuggled into India from Pakistan through a foreign-based network. The weapons were meant to be distributed among gang members within Punjab for use in unlawful activities, raising serious concerns over the growing influence of transnational criminal syndicates in the region.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under the Arms Act at Sadar Fazilka Police Station. Police officials have confirmed that further inquiries are ongoing to identify the entire supply chain — including those who facilitated the procurement, transit, and intended distribution of the weapons.
Network Under Scrutiny
Authorities are now focusing on dismantling the wider network behind the operation, tracing both backward and forward linkages. This includes identifying other potential members of the module operating on Indian soil, as well as establishing the full extent of communication and coordination with handlers abroad.
Senior officials have emphasized the seriousness of the case, describing it as part of a larger effort to prevent weapons trafficking from fueling violence in the state.
Strong Message from Punjab Police
In a statement following the operation, Punjab Police reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the state from organized smuggling and cross-border threats.
“We are fully committed to breaking the backbone of such networks that attempt to destabilize our region. This successful operation reflects our sustained efforts to keep Punjab safe and secure,” said a senior police official.
The arrests mark another step in ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms flows and organized crime in border districts, which remain particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to international boundaries.
