Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully dismantled a cross-border network involved in illegal arms, drugs, and hawala operations. The crackdown led to the arrest of six individuals, including an Afghan national and two juveniles. The police seized 1.035 kg of heroin, five sophisticated pistols, and Rs 5 lakh in drug money from the suspects.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Baz Mohammad, Ankush Barthwal, Des Raj, Rajandeep Singh, and two juveniles. Notably, Mohammad, Barthwal, and Des Raj have prior criminal records. The recovered firearms include three 9mm Glocks, a .30-bore Zigana, and a .30-bore pistol, along with two cartridges.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused collaborated with overseas associates to procure illegal arms and narcotics through social media platforms. The network operated in the Majha and Doaba regions, distributing the contraband as directed by their foreign handlers. Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, shared that the police first apprehended two juveniles with a Glock pistol and later recovered more contraband based on their disclosures.
Further probing led to the apprehension of Mohammad, Ankush Barthwal, and Des Raj, resulting in the recovery of three pistols, 535 grams of heroin, and Rs 5 lakh in drug money. Subsequent interrogations led to the arrest of another associate, Rajandeep Singh. Barthwal, who had recently returned from Uganda, allegedly teamed up with Mohammad post his return to India to engage in the illicit trade of narcotics and weapons.
