Amritsar: Amritsar Rural Police, working jointly with a Central Agency, has uncovered multiple suspected arms and narcotics trafficking networks, arresting seven individuals and making a significant recovery of weapons, ammunition and illegal drugs.
The extensive operation resulted in the seizure of one RPG (22 NETTO), two illegal pistols and 106 live cartridges. Police teams also recovered 7.904 kg of heroin, 5.152 kg of opium and 2.344 kg of ICE (methamphetamine). Besides the contraband and weapons, one drone, a GPS tracker and five mobile phones were also confiscated.
Initial findings suggest that the accused were allegedly connected with handlers operating from foreign locations. Investigators suspect that these handlers coordinated the movement of illegal firearms and narcotic substances, which were subsequently intended for distribution among criminal elements.
The recovery of the drone and GPS tracking equipment has added another dimension to the investigation, with agencies examining the methods allegedly used to coordinate the movement of consignments and maintain communication between those involved.
Police have registered separate FIRs at Gharinda, Lopoke and Bhindi Saida police stations in Amritsar district. Investigations are now focused on identifying other members of the suspected syndicates and tracing the complete supply chain, including the sources of the seized material and its intended destinations.
Officials are also working to establish the backward and forward connections of the accused to determine whether the networks have links with other organised criminal groups.
The joint operation represents a significant step in the ongoing campaign against drug smuggling and illegal arms trafficking in Punjab. Punjab Police has reiterated its resolve to break the networks supplying weapons and narcotics to criminal groups and strengthen efforts towards building a safer and drug-free state.
