Punjab Police Disrupts International Drug Smuggling Operation, Arrests Two Operatives with 1.5kg Heroin

Punjab Police Disrupts International Drug Smuggling Operation, Arrests Two Operatives with 1.5kg Heroin

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking, Punjab Police has dismantled an international drug syndicate that ingeniously utilized jackets to smuggle heroin into the state. Two operatives were apprehended in SAS Nagar, with law enforcement recovering 1.5 kilograms of heroin concealed within three half-sleeve jackets—500 grams in each jacket. This operation underscores Punjab Police’s unwavering commitment to making the state drug-free.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sukhdeep Singh, also known as Raja, from Bhana in Faridkot, and Krishan from Ajaib in Rohtak. In addition to the heroin, police seized their white Hyundai Aura (HR 12 AT 7091), which was reportedly used to transport narcotics under the guise of a taxi service.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav disclosed that the initial investigation revealed the drugs were procured from an Afghan national based in Delhi, highlighting the syndicate’s connection to international drug cartels. The tactics employed by the operatives—hiding heroin in jackets—demonstrate their attempts to evade detection by law enforcement.

During questioning, the arrested suspects admitted to smuggling four heroin consignments in collaboration with Lakhwinder Singh, a notorious drug smuggler based in Kotkapura, over the past two months. The most recent consignment, weighing 10 kilograms, was delivered in Moga in mid-September. Lakhwinder Singh, who faces multiple charges under the NDPS Act, is believed to be the mastermind orchestrating the entire drug trafficking network. Punjab Police have initiated a manhunt to locate him and are conducting further investigations to unravel the syndicate’s entire operational framework.

DIG of the Ropar Range, Nilambari Jagdale, stated that the operation began with a reliable tip-off indicating that the two suspects were traveling from Delhi towards Mohali in their Hyundai Aura. Acting swiftly, police officers led by DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar established a checkpoint near Dappar toll plaza in Lalru, successfully intercepting the vehicle and making the arrests.

SSP Deepak Pareek revealed that Sukhdeep has a criminal history, with a kidnapping case registered against him in 2020. After being released on bail from Faridkot Jail in May 2024, he became involved in this drug smuggling operation in July 2024. The arrested individuals had even secured a rental property in Sohana, SAS Nagar, to facilitate their illegal activities.

An FIR (No. 141) has been registered under sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act at the Lalru Police Station in SAS Nagar, furthering the legal action against the arrested suspects and their network.

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