Amritsar: In a significant crackdown on organised crime, Punjab Police has uncovered a cross-border illegal arms smuggling racket operating in Amritsar, leading to the arrest of five alleged operatives and the recovery of sophisticated weapons and ammunition.
According to officials, the operation was carried out by the Amritsar Commissionerate Police following intelligence inputs regarding the movement of illegal arms within the region.
Police said eight pistols along with live cartridges were seized during the raids. Investigators suspect the weapons were intended for distribution among criminal groups active in different parts of Punjab.
Preliminary findings indicate that the accused were allegedly in touch with a foreign-based smuggler using virtual communication numbers to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.
Officials further revealed that the network was receiving consignments of weapons and narcotics through drones sent from across the international border. The recovered arms were reportedly being routed to local handlers for further circulation among criminal elements.
Cases have been registered at Chheharta Police Station in Amritsar under relevant provisions of the law. Authorities said the probe is now focused on tracing both the supply chain and local distribution network connected to the smuggling operation.
Investigators are also attempting to identify additional individuals linked to the module, including overseas handlers and local associates suspected of facilitating the transportation and delivery of illegal consignments.
Police officials stated that the arrests are part of an ongoing campaign against organised crime, cross-border smuggling and narcotics trafficking in the state.
Reiterating its stand against criminal networks, Punjab Police said it remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal arms trade, drug trafficking and activities threatening public safety.
