Punjab Police bust Pak-backed drug module; 3 held with 24.5 kg heroin, drone seized

Chandigarh: Punjab Police's anti-narcotics task force (ANTF), in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), has busted a Pakistan-backed cross-border smuggling module, arresting three alleged masterminds and seizing 24.5 kg of heroin along with Rs 21 lakh in drug money, director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday.The arrested accused have been identified as Jagjit Singh alias Rana, a resident of Noorwal village; Manpreet Singh alias Preet from Aulakh Khurd; and Roshan Singh from Dhupsari, all in Amritsar district. "Apart from recovering heroin and drug money, BSF and police teams have also impounded a multi-copter drone, which was used by Pakistan-based smugglers to deliver the consignment from across the border, and two vehicles, including a Mahindra Thar, being used to transport the narcotics," the DGP said.He added, "Preliminary investigations have revealed direct links of the arrested accused with Pakistan-based handlers. Following a deep technical probe, police teams successfully dismantled this cross-border network."ANTF superintendent of police Gurpreet Singh said the operation was carried out in two stages. "Initially, 12.1 kg of heroin along with a multi-copter drone was recovered," he said. "Forensic analysis of the drone, including its technical data, latitude-longitude inputs and tower dump analysis, led to a further seizure of 12.4 kg heroin from the house of Manpreet Singh, taking the total recovery to 24.5 kg."The SP added that Jagjit Singh Rana had recently acquired properties in posh areas using drug proceeds and had a penchant for high-end vehicles. Police said further arrests and recoveries are likely as the investigation progresses. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the Aircraft Act at ANTF police station in Mohali.