Ludhiana: The rural police have dismantled a significant narcotics smuggling module with the arrest of four men, including a key supplier from the border district of Amritsar. The operation yielded over 3 kg heroin and an illegal firearm, highlighting a sophisticated distribution network fuelled by cross-border smuggling.The accused have been identified as Jaswinder Singh (alias Bobby), Prince, and Rahul — all residents of the Jagraon area — along with Harpreet Singh of Attari, Amritsar.The Intelligence-Led StrikeActing on a high-level tip-off, the CIA (crime investigation agency) staff of Jagraon intercepted the syndicate on Tuesday. Ludhiana’s senior superintendent of police (rural), Ankur Gupta, claimed that the cops had received specific information that the quartet was transporting a large consignment of heroin toward Talwandi Rai via Noorpura in a white car. A strategic checkpoint was established near the Talwandi Rai grain market, where the vehicle was intercepted.A search conducted in the presence of the Raikot’s DSP led to the recovery of narcotics (3.3 kg heroin), weaponry (a .32-bore country-made pistol, a magazine, and two live cartridges), and currency (Rs 30,000 in suspected drug proceeds).The Pakistan ConnectionDuring preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to a larger conspiracy. Police officials stated that the group admitted to sourcing substantial quantities of heroin from Pakistan. The module functioned as a localised distribution hub, supplying the illicit material across the Jagraon, Raikot, and Mullanpur belts. Investigators identified Harpreet Singh of Attari as the primary supplier, leveraging his proximity to the international border to facilitate the flow of drugs.A Pattern of RecidivismThe arrests have sidelined two “high-value” targets with extensive criminal histories. Jaswinder Singh (Bobby), who currently faces six prior criminal cases, was actively wanted in two matters and was out on bail for four others at the time of his arrest. Rahul already has a pending case involving the possession of commercial quantities of narcotics.SSP Gupta noted that Prince acted as the group’s driver, while Jaswinder managed the financial incentives for the distribution. The suspects were produced in court on Wednesday, where police sought remand for further custodial interrogation. “We are conducting a technical analysis of the mobile phones recovered, particularly from Jaswinder Singh, to trace their offshore contacts,” SSP Gupta said. “We expect more revelations regarding the end-buyers and the specific methods used to transport the drugs across the border.“
