Punjab Police arrests drug smuggler, links to Pakistan-US-based syndicate

Punjab Police on Monday said they have arrested a drug smuggler with links to a Pakistan-US-based drug syndicate. 15 kg heroin was recovered from him during the operation.

The arrested person has been identified as Harshpreet Singh, a resident of Roranwala area of ​​Amritsar, said state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

Besides, a two-wheeler used by him for drug smuggling has also been seized by the Tarn Taran district police.

The operation comes a day after the Tarn Taran police busted a major drug smuggling ring. Two drug smugglers were arrested and 6 kg heroin was seized, an official statement said.

 DGP Yadav said that initial investigation has revealed that the seized drug consignment is part of the network of US-based Gurnam Kalowal, who is linked to Pakistan-based smuggler "Pahlwan".

He added that Palwan used to drop drugs from across the border using drones, which Singh would collect and supply to local drug dealers. Besides, his handler based in the US would send the smuggled money through hawala channels on the instructions of Kalowal.

Further investigation is underway in this regard to identify the source of drug supply and onward links.

Giving details of the operation, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Tarn Taran district said that a team of police conducted the operation based on specific intelligence inputs based on confidential information. During the operation, Singh was arrested while supplying a consignment in Rakh Sarai Amanat Khan area.

Investigation is ongoing to trace the entire network of drug trafficking ring, suppliers, traders and buyers. More arrests and drug seizures are likely in the near future, the SSP said.

 A case has been registered under various sections of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) at Taran Taran Sadar Police Station in this incident.