Patiala: Punjab Police have busted an alleged interstate arms trafficking network that is accused of using the cover of e-commerce delivery operations to transport illegal firearms. Four suspects have been arrested, and police have seized 15 pistols and 30 live cartridges from their possession. According to investigators, the accused allegedly wore delivery uniforms resembling those of e-commerce companies and used parcel packaging to move weapons without attracting suspicion. A case has been registered under the Arms Act, and further investigation is underway.
According to police, the operation was carried out by a joint team of the CIA Patiala and Sadar Rajpura Police Station near Basantpura on the Delhi–Jalandhar National Highway. Acting on specific intelligence, officers intercepted the suspects and arrested Vishal (20), Subhash, Jinder alias Sagar alias Bhairon (21), and Badal Kumar (20). Investigators said the interrogation of the accused is expected to help uncover the wider network.
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Preliminary investigation suggests that the alleged syndicate procured illegal firearms from the Indore region of Madhya Pradesh at relatively low prices and supplied them to gangsters and other anti-social elements in Punjab at significantly higher prices. Investigators are examining the entire procurement, transportation and distribution chain to identify other individuals involved and determine how long the alleged network had been operating.
Police further alleged that the accused had previously worked in the e-commerce delivery sector and later exploited their knowledge of logistics operations to develop a new method of transporting illegal weapons. According to investigators, they allegedly dressed as delivery personnel and packed firearms inside parcels before transporting them through buses and trains, enabling them to avoid suspicion during routine security checks.
Investigating agencies are now analysing the accused’s mobile phones, digital devices, call detail records, travel history, financial transactions and other electronic evidence. Officials are also examining whether the alleged network has links with organised criminal groups, illegal arms suppliers or associates operating in other states. The recovered firearms have been sent for forensic examination to determine whether they were used in any previous criminal incidents.
Experts note that organised arms trafficking networks frequently attempt to exploit legitimate transportation systems, ordinary packaging and concealed identities to evade law enforcement. Digital forensics, financial trail analysis, call records, travel patterns and ballistic examination of recovered firearms play a critical role in identifying the wider network and establishing the movement of illegal weapons. They also emphasise that continuous monitoring of logistics and transport channels is essential to disrupting such trafficking operations.
Police said all four accused are being questioned. Further investigation under the Arms Act will focus on identifying the source of the weapons, potential buyers, financial transactions and other individuals connected to the alleged network. Authorities added that if evidence establishes links to additional suspects or interstate criminal organisations, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
