Pakistani-marked packets recovered; digital evidence and financial trails under scrutiny to trace wider syndicate
CHANDIGARH/PATHANKOT: Punjab’s Pathankot Police has busted an alleged cross-border heroin smuggling module with the arrest of two operatives, including a woman, and the seizure of 7.823 kg of heroin in a two-stage operation, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday.
The action was carried out under the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, aimed at making Punjab drug-free, in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The arrested accused have been identified as Gurpanth, a resident of Vadala village in Amritsar Rural, and his associate Harmanjeet Kaur, a resident of Dhianpur in Gurdaspur district.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said investigators were analysing digital and technical evidence to trace the wider narcotics network, follow financial transactions and identify other individuals allegedly involved in the smuggling operation.
Sharing details of the operation, Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manpreet Singh said a Special Branch team intercepted Gurpanth following credible intelligence and recovered 590 grams of heroin from his possession.
Subsequent interrogation and forensic examination of his mobile phone provided actionable leads, prompting police teams to raid a rented accommodation in Fatehgarh Churian. The raid resulted in the arrest of Harmanjeet Kaur and the recovery of another 7.233 kg of heroin, taking the total seizure to 7.823 kg.
According to the SSP, preliminary investigations have indicated cross-border links. Packets bearing distinctive seal impressions and Pakistani markings were also recovered during the investigation.
Police have also come across videos relating to consignments of contraband, along with financial transaction records and bank account details. These digital and financial leads are being examined to establish the alleged smuggling network’s connections and identify other suspects.
A case has been registered as FIR No. 155, dated October 12, 2026, under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Sadar, Pathankot.
Further investigation is underway.
