Amritsar: Punjab Police have busted three illegal arms and drug trafficking networks in Amritsar, arresting 11 people, including two juveniles, and recovering two hand grenades, 12 sophisticated pistols and 310.10 grams of heroin.
The crackdown has exposed suspected links between local criminal networks and foreign-based handlers who allegedly supplied illegal weapons and narcotics through drone-based consignments.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were connected to gangsters operating from abroad, who allegedly coordinated the movement of weapons and drugs for distribution among criminal elements in Punjab.
Police investigations have also revealed that the recovered firearms were allegedly being used to target houses and commercial establishments through firing incidents. Such attacks were intended to intimidate victims and pressure them into meeting extortion demands.
The arrests were made during three separate operations conducted by teams of the Amritsar Commissionerate Police.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bobby, 21, Samayal Singh, 18, Satmol Singh alias Thekedar, 20, Harpreet Singh alias Happy alias Bhundi, 23, Akashdeep Singh, 22, Akashdeep Singh alias Akash, 20, Shamsher Singh alias Shera, 20, Gurbir Singh alias Billa, 18, Vishal Singh alias Kalu, 24, and two juveniles.
During the operations, police recovered 12 pistols of different calibres, including Chinese made .30 bore weapons, PX5 Storm pistols, a Zigana, a Glock and other firearms. A total of 33 live cartridges and a motorcycle were also seized.
In the first operation, Ranjit Avenue police arrested Bobby, Samayal and Satmol. Four illegal pistols and 10 cartridges were initially recovered, followed by three additional pistols during further investigation.
The second operation was conducted by Chheharta police, leading to the arrest of Harpreet and a juvenile. Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of another juvenile and two associates. Police recovered two live hand grenades and additional ammunition during the operation.
In the third operation, Sultanwind police arrested Shamsher, Vishal and Gurbir, recovering three pistols, four cartridges and 310.10 grams of heroin.
Three separate FIRs have been registered in connection with the recoveries. Further investigations are underway to identify additional suspects, establish the networks’ cross-border connections and dismantle the larger illegal arms and drug trafficking operations.
