Chandigarh, 18 April (H.S.):

In a major crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, the Counter Intelligence Wing of Punjab Police has busted a smuggling racket and seized 64.62 kg of heroin valued at approximately ₹450 crore. Two alleged smugglers have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the operation was carried out by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of the Counter Intelligence Wing in Amritsar. The heroin is suspected to have been smuggled from Pakistan and was intended for further distribution before being intercepted by the police.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the smuggling network is being operated by Pakistan-based drug trafficker Musa, who had earlier come into the spotlight after a massive seizure of 532 kg heroin from a goods train at the Attari-Wagah border a few years ago. Police officials stated that the current consignment was also linked to the same network.

The arrested accused have been identified as Sarwan Singh Gurjar, a resident of Awa village, and Shamsher Singh from Iktiyarnagar village. Both were apprehended near Mahal village in Amritsar.

Investigations have further uncovered that the network has connections with handlers based abroad, including those operating from Pakistan. The gang was actively involved in smuggling drugs across the border and supplying them in Punjab and other states. A case has been registered at the SSOC police station in Amritsar, and further investigations are underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH