Search operations conducted in border fields of Haveliyaan and Naushehra Dhalla; one suspected smuggler arrested

Tarn Taran, 08 October (H.S.): The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police have recovered heroin and drones during joint search operations conducted in the border areas of Tarn Taran district as part of their ongoing crackdown on drug smuggling. One suspected drug smuggler was also arrested during the operations.

According to the police, preliminary investigation suggests that the recovered consignments were allegedly brought into Indian territory from across the international border using drones.

The first operation was conducted in the Haveliyaan area on the basis of information provided by Vijay Kumar, Company Commander of the BSF’s 115th Battalion. A joint team of the BSF and Punjab Police carried out a search in the border fields. Sub-Inspector Gursevak Singh of Sarai Amanat Khan police station said that a suspicious packet and a drone were recovered during the search.

On examination, the packet was found to contain 1.004 kg of heroin along with 96 grams of packing material, with the total weight reported to be around 1.1 kg. A DJI Mavic Pro drone was also recovered from the spot. The seized material was subsequently handed over by the BSF to Sarai Amanat Khan police for further investigation.

A second operation was carried out in the border area of Naushehra Dhalla following an input received from the BSF. Police and BSF personnel conducted searches and set up a cordon in the agricultural fields. According to the police, the team recovered 500 grams of heroin, 20 grams of packing material and a DJI Air 35 drone.

During the operation, Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakkha, a resident of Naushehra Dhalla, was arrested. Police said the recovered heroin was suspected to have been delivered from across the border through a drone-based smuggling network.

Cases have been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with the two operations. Investigators are now trying to identify the intended recipients of the consignments on the Indian side and determine the wider network involved in the alleged cross-border drug smuggling.

Meanwhile, another search operation in the Haveliyaan area led to the recovery of a packet containing 513 grams of heroin. SHO Raj Kumar of Sarai Amanat Khan police station said a case has been registered against unidentified persons in this connection and further investigation is underway.

The police and BSF are also examining the possible local links of the cross-border smuggling network and the role of other persons who may have been involved in receiving or distributing the consignments.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH