Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Punjab Police on Saturday said it had uncovered a cross-border narcotics smuggling network in Amritsar and seized 20 kg of heroin, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in its campaign against drug trafficking in the border state.
One person has been arrested in connection with the case. The operation was conducted by Counter Intelligence, Amritsar, which was probing an organised crime and narcotics network active in the region.
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Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the seizure was a significant success for the Counter Intelligence unit in Amritsar. “In a major breakthrough, Counter Intelligence, #Amritsar busts a cross-border narcotics smuggling and organised criminal nexus, apprehends one operative, and recovers 20 kg heroin”.
He said preliminary investigations suggest that the accused was working under the direction of a foreign-based handler allegedly connected to cross-border smugglers.
According to Yadav, the arrested operative was responsible for receiving heroin consignments in the border belt and transporting them to different recipients across Punjab.
He added that an FIR has been registered at the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) police station in Amritsar under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The DGP said investigators are now working to establish both the forward and backward linkages of the network.
He said the probe would focus on identifying all individuals involved in the racket and examining whether the module has connections with narcotics smuggling networks that were busted earlier.
Police officials said the investigation would cover financial transactions, communication records and cross-border contacts linked to the accused. More arrests are expected as additional leads emerge during the inquiry.
Punjab, which shares a border with Pakistan, has long faced the challenge of drug trafficking, and security agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the state.
The latest seizure is being seen as another major operation against narcotics trafficking routes in Punjab.
DGP Yadav said Punjab Police remains committed to dismantling cross-border drug trafficking networks and organised criminal syndicates as part of its efforts to ensure a safer and drug-free Punjab.
Police have not yet disclosed the identity of the arrested accused or the estimated value of the heroin seized in the operation.
– Ends
With PTI inputs
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
