Amritsar Police dismantles illegal arms smuggling module, announces anti-gangster helpline with cash rewards up to Rs 10 lakh

AMRITSAR: Commissionerate Police on Wednesday claimed to have busted an illegal arms smuggling module with alleged links to foreign-based handlers following the arrest of five persons, while the Punjab Police launched an anti-gangster helpline inviting people to share information about gangsters and criminal networks operating in the state.Talking to media persons, Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with a foreign-based smuggler using virtual numbers. The accused were allegedly receiving consignments of weapons and narcotics through drones from across the border and supplying them to criminal elements in Punjab.He informed that police teams recovered eight sophisticated pistols and live cartridges during the operation.Officials believe the module was part of a larger network involved in cross-border smuggling and organised crime activities. An FIR has been registered at Chheharta Police Station, and further investigations are underway to establish backward and forward linkages and identify other associates connected to the racket, he said.Meanwhile, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the launch of the Punjab Police Anti-Gangster Helpline aimed at strengthening public participation in the fight against organised crime.He said people can directly share information related to gangsters and criminal activities, with police assuring complete confidentiality of informants.The DGP further stated that a cash reward of up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided for information leading to the arrest of gangsters.