In a landmark operation under the state’s aggressive anti-narcotics initiative ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, Punjab Police in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Rajasthan Police has unearthed a massive cross-border drug smuggling network, leading to the recovery of over 60 kilograms of heroin and the arrest of nine accused linked to a multi-national syndicate. The operation, executed near the Indo-Pak border in Barmer, Rajasthan, marks a significant success in Punjab’s ongoing war against drugs, as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the syndicate was being run by Pakistani smuggler Tanveer Shah in collaboration with Canada-based handler Joban Kaler. The two, using Indian facilitators across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir, orchestrated the trafficking network that spanned international borders. Crucially, a local drug kingpin, Gursahib Singh, already lodged in Goindwal Sahib Jail, was found to be coordinating operations from behind bars using an illicit mobile phone. The device has since been seized, and further investigation into the Pakistan-Canada nexus is underway.
The crackdown follows the arrest of Gursahib Singh last month with one kilogram of heroin. Despite his incarceration, Singh reportedly continued directing the operation through his nephew Jashanpreet Singh and associate Gagandeep Singh, both of whom were later arrested with smaller quantities of the contraband. Their interrogation led authorities to the massive 60 kg heroin consignment concealed near the Rajasthan border.
Among the arrested individuals are traffickers and hawala operators from diverse locations, revealing the depth and reach of the network. The investigation has also unearthed a parallel financial trail involving hawala channels used to launder drug proceeds. Police officials indicated that several others linked to Pakistani smuggler Tanveer Shah have been identified and search operations are underway to apprehend them.
Commissioner of Police Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, stated that the investigation has highlighted how drugs are infiltrated into India from across the Indo-Pak border and routed through Rajasthan before being disseminated into Punjab through well-established local distribution mechanisms. Authorities believe that this bust not only disrupted a major international smuggling ring but also significantly weakened the financial networks that enable narcotics trafficking.
The FIR in connection with the seizure has been registered at Chheharta Police Station under stringent sections of the NDPS Act, and state police have assured that more arrests are imminent as the probe deepens. The operation reflects Punjab Police’s unwavering resolve to eliminate the drug menace from its roots and underscores the need for multi-agency coordination in tackling international narcotics crime.
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