Drug Smuggler Arrested After Encounter in Amritsar

Cartel Operated Through Whatsapp and Targeted Affluent Circles to Sell Cocaine, Say Police

- HT Correspondent

FEROZEPUR: A smuggler involved in the cross-border trafficking was arrested with 9.4 kg of heroin along with ₹2.10 lakh of drug money in Zira, Ferozepur police said on Tuesday.

Ferozepur range DIG Harmanbir Singh Gill said the arrest was made based on intelligence inputs. "The accused, identified as Harmesh Singh alias Ramesh (25), a resident of Basti Machhia, was apprehended, while his accomplice Ajay (28) is currently absconding. The motorcycle being used to transport drugs has also been impounded," the DIG said.

"The heroin was reportedly smuggled from across the Pakistan border, where local handlers work in close coordination with cross-border networks. Our teams are investigating both backwards and forward linkages to expose and dismantle the entire supply chain," the DIG added.

He further noted that earlier, traffickers relied heavily on drones to transport large consignments. "However, following the recent interception of a drone carrying heroin during a counter-operation, smugglers have shifted to manually transporting smaller quantities" he added. A case has been registered.

128 smugglers nabbed, 10kg heroin seized

CHANDIGARH: As many as 128 drug smugglers were arrested and 108 kg of heroin along with 2 kg opium and ₹2.4 lakh drug money was seized on Day 108th of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, according to an official release.

With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 17,897 since the campaign started, police said.