4 arrested in Amritsar with 27kg heroin, weapons

Accused linked to Dubai-based handler and encrypted communication network; drone-dropped consignment intercepted at Khasa.

Amritsar: Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar intercepted a cross-border smuggling network on Wednesday, arresting four men and seizing 27kg of heroin, a foreign-made .30-bore PX5 pistol, and three cartridges, Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said.

Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar intercepted a cross-border smuggling network on Wednesday, arresting four men and seizing 27kg of heroin, a foreign-made .30-bore PX5 pistol, and three cartridges. (X)

The arrested individuals are Vishal Singh (alias Shalu), Manpreet Singh (alias Sunny), and Smartpreet Singh, all residents of Bhalla Colony, Chheharta, Amritsar; and Karan Singh of Bhusse village, Tarn Taran. Police also impounded a black Splendor motorcycle (PB02-CW-6647) and a grey Honda Activa (PB02-EX-4503) used in the operation.

Preliminary investigations indicate the accused coordinated with a Dubai-based operative and Pakistani cross-border smugglers via encrypted messaging apps to evade law enforcement.

Acting on intelligence that the group had retrieved a drone-dropped consignment near the Attari border to deliver near Adda Khasa, CI teams raided the location and intercepted the suspects near the Khasa bus shelter.

An FIR (No. 58) dated September 15 has been registered under Sections 21, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act and Section 25 of the Arms Act at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Police Station, Amritsar.

Further investigation is underway to trace full backward and forward linkages.