Two Arrested as Foreign-Linked Drug and Arms Network Comes Under Scanner
Chandigarh/Amritsar, September 9: Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border narcotics and illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of two persons and the seizure of 5 kg of ICE (crystal methamphetamine) and three foreign-made sophisticated pistols, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday.
The arrests were made as part of the ongoing drive, under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to make Punjab a safe and secure state.
The arrested accused have been identified as Sohan Singh, a resident of Chogawan village in Amritsar, and Saleem, a resident of Bandala village in Amritsar. Police recovered two 9mm pistols and one .30-bore pistol, along with magazines, from their possession. Their Splendor motorcycle, allegedly being used to transport the consignment, was also impounded.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said the preliminary investigation indicated that the module was allegedly being operated in coordination with foreign-based smugglers, with consignments of drugs and weapons being received and subsequently supplied through associates.
According to the police, CI Amritsar received reliable information that Sohan Singh and Saleem were expected to meet at Adda Baoli near Mata Kaulan Hospital on Lopoke Road in Amritsar in connection with the delivery of a large consignment of ICE and weapons.
Acting on the intelligence input, police teams conducted a raid and intercepted both suspects at the location, recovering the drugs and firearms, the DGP said.
Police have also identified a key member of the alleged module and launched raids to apprehend him. Investigators are now working to establish the network’s forward and backward linkages and identify other individuals allegedly involved in the wider drug and illegal arms trafficking operation.
A case, FIR No. 55 dated September 9, 2026, has been registered under Sections 22, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and Section 25 of the Arms Act at the Police Station, State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.
The investigation is continuing.
