Amritsar (Dawarka Nath Rana): In a major breakthrough against organized crime, the Amritsar International Arms and Drug Network Busted operation has exposed a cross-border network involved in illegal weapons trafficking, drug smuggling, and hawala transactions. Amritsar Commissionerate Police joined hands with a central agency to carry out the operation
As a result of the crackdown, police arrested seven accused. The arrested individuals include an Afghan national and a juvenile. Authorities believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to a well-organized criminal network with international connections.
Huge Cache of Weapons and Drugs Recovered
During the operation, officials recovered a large quantity of illegal weapons and narcotics. According to police, the seized items include 10 sophisticated firearms, among them two sub-machine guns.
In addition, law enforcement agencies recovered 5.048 kilograms of heroin. The seizure highlights the scale of the smuggling operation and its potential impact on public safety.
Furthermore, investigators confiscated ₹30.38 lakh in cash suspected to be linked to hawala transactions. Officials consider the recovery an important lead in tracking the financial activities of the network.
Foreign-Based Handlers Directed the Network
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused maintained direct contact with handlers based abroad. According to officials, these handlers used social media platforms to coordinate illegal activities and communicate with network members.
Moreover, investigators found that foreign operators allegedly arranged the delivery of weapons and narcotics into India. After receiving the consignments, the accused reportedly distributed them to criminal groups and other offenders operating in different regions.
Consequently, police suspect that the network functioned as a key link between international suppliers and local criminal elements.
Hawala Channels Used for Financial Transactions
The investigation has also uncovered the financial structure of the operation. Officials revealed that the accused relied on hawala channels to move money and settle transactions.
Additionally, police believe the network used multiple intermediaries to conceal the source and destination of funds. Because of these findings, investigators are examining financial records and communication data to identify additional suspects.
Authorities also suspect that the network has links in multiple countries. Therefore, agencies are expanding the scope of the investigation to trace its international connections.
FIR Registered, Investigation Intensified
Following the International Arms and Drug Network Busted operation, police registered a case at Islamabad Police Station in Amritsar. Investigators have launched a detailed probe to identify all individuals associated with the network.
Meanwhile, teams are conducting raids at various locations to locate other suspects. Officials expect further arrests as the investigation progresses.
In addition, police are working to determine the complete supply chain used for weapons, drugs, and financial transactions. The recovered evidence is being analyzed to uncover the full extent of the operation.
Major Blow to Organized Crime
The Amritsar International Arms and Drug Network Busted operation marks a significant achievement for Punjab Police and central agencies. By dismantling a network involved in arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and hawala activities, authorities have prevented illegal weapons and drugs from reaching criminal groups.
Furthermore, the arrests and seizures provide crucial intelligence about cross-border crime networks operating through digital platforms. Investigators remain focused on identifying every individual connected to the racket.
As the probe continues, police expect to uncover more details about the international links, financial channels, and criminal organizations associated with the network. The operation underscores the commitment of security agencies to combating organized crime and protecting public safety.
Key Points of the International Arms and Drug Network Busted:
- Amritsar Police busted an international arms, drug, and hawala network.
- Seven accused, including an Afghan national and a juvenile, were arrested.
- Police recovered 10 advanced weapons, including two sub-machine guns.
- Authorities seized 5.048 kg heroin and ₹30.38 lakh linked to hawala transactions.
- Investigators found links to foreign-based handlers operating through social media.