Chandigarh. The Punjab Police has busted an alleged cross-border network involved in smuggling narcotics and illegal weapons and arrested four people. A total of 47.3 kg of heroin, three .30-bore pistols, three magazines and 15 cartridges were recovered from the suspects. According to the police, preliminary investigation has indicated that the network received consignments of heroin and weapons dropped by drones from across the border and subsequently distributed them to different locations within the state.
According to the police, the action was carried out as part of an operation against a smuggling network linked to Ferozepur district. During a special checking operation, officers intercepted a car carrying the four suspects. They were arrested after narcotics and weapons were recovered from their possession. Investigators are now examining the source of the seized material and trying to identify its intended recipients.
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The preliminary investigation has allegedly revealed that the smuggling network received consignments of drugs and weapons through drones operating from across the border. Such consignments were reportedly dropped in border areas of Fazilka and Ferozepur districts. Members of the network would then allegedly collect the material and move it onward for local distribution. Investigating agencies are trying to establish who was sending the consignments from across the border and how many people were involved in receiving and distributing them in Punjab.
Police said cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under laws relating to narcotics and illegal weapons. The case has been registered at Sadiq police station. Apart from the heroin and weapons, two vehicles suspected to have been used in the smuggling operation have also been seized. They include a Honda City and a Hyundai Aura.
The arrests were made during a special checking operation on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Police teams were conducting checks in Faridkot city in view of the Baba Farid Aagman Purab festival. During the operation, a crime investigation agency team stopped a Honda City and searched it. Four occupants were taken into custody after the search led to the recovery of a large quantity of heroin and weapons.
Police are now examining the network’s forward and backward links. Officials said the initial action has helped identify alleged local-level operators, but the investigation is still underway to determine the extent of the larger network operating across the border. Investigators are also expected to examine communication records, vehicle movements, possible locations used by the network and the role of other people allegedly connected with the supply of consignments.
In view of the quantity of heroin recovered and the weapons seized, investigators are also examining the network’s local distribution mechanism. Agencies are trying to determine whether similar consignments had previously been brought into Punjab and, if so, where they were distributed. The investigation will also examine whether the suspects had any direct connection with other incidents involving consignments allegedly dropped by drones across the border.
According to the police, further investigation is underway and efforts are being made to identify and arrest other people allegedly linked to the smuggling network. Officials said the investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the entire chain, from the alleged cross-border supply of drugs and weapons to their collection and distribution within Punjab.
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.
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