J&K SIA arrests key accused in drug syndicate from Punjab
The SIA has identified accused Harjit Singh, a resident of Kasel in the Tarn Taran district, as a crucial link in a trans-national narcotics network operating across borders
The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has achieved a breakthrough in its probe into a major drug trafficking case involving the recovery of 33kg of heroin, with the arrest of a key accused from Punjab.
Harjit Singh, son of Sukhwinder Singh and a resident of Kasel in the Tarn Taran district, was apprehended by a team of the SIA, a spokesperson of the agency said. He has been identified as a crucial link in a trans-national narcotics network operating across borders, he added.
According to investigators, Harjit Singh played a central role in connecting Amritpal Singh alias Fouji—already in custody—with Amritpal Singh Baath, a suspected kingpin of the syndicate, currently absconding and believed to be abroad. Baath is reportedly affiliated with the Khalistan Zindabad Force, the spokesperson said.
“Operating from his shop, Harjit Singh is alleged to have coordinated the movement of drug consignments. On his motivation and assurance, Amritpal alias Fouji joined the network, collected heroin consignments from the border areas in Jammu and facilitated their handover to Baath’s associates in Punjab,” he added.
Officials believe this arrest will help uncover deeper layers of the cartel’s structure and shed light on its connections to cross-border narco-terror operations. Further investigations are underway, and more arrests and disclosures are expected, the spokesperson said.
“Acting on a tip-off that a person from Punjab was bringing a huge consignment of heroin-like substance from Akhnoor towards the bus stand, a special checking operation was conducted by a team from bus stand police station, leading to the apprehension of the suspect,” said Anand Jain, additional director general of police (ADGP), Jammu zone.
