Chandigarh: In a major crackdown on cross-border narcotics trafficking, the Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), has dismantled a Pakistan-linked smuggling module, arresting three key accused and recovering 24.5 kg of heroin, ₹21 lakh in drug money, and a multi-copter drone.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the operation was part of the state’s intensified drive to curb drug trafficking under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He confirmed that the arrested individuals had direct links with Pakistan-based handlers and that the network has been dismantled following a detailed technical investigation.
The accused have been identified as Jagjit Singh alias Rana, Manpreet Singh alias Preet, and Roshan Singh, all residents of Amritsar district.
Police said the smugglers used a multi-copter drone to receive heroin consignments from across the border. The drone, along with two vehicles—including a Mahindra Thar SUV used for transporting the narcotics—has been seized.
Superintendent of Police, ANTF, Gurpreet Singh said the operation was carried out in two phases. Initially, 12.1 kg of heroin and the drone were recovered. Subsequent forensic and technical analysis of the drone, including extraction of location data and tower dump analysis, led to the recovery of an additional 12.4 kg heroin from the residence of one of the accused, taking the total seizure to 24.5 kg.
Investigations have also revealed that Jagjit Rana had recently acquired properties in posh localities using proceeds from drug trafficking and had a penchant for luxury vehicles.
Police officials said further investigations are underway to establish the forward and backward linkages of the network, and more arrests and recoveries are expected.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the Aircraft Act at Police Station ANTF, SAS Nagar.
