In Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, the police have intensified efforts against organized crime, particularly the drug trade involving Pakistan. A recent operation, ‘Gangstran te Vaar,’ has led to 490 cases filed under the NDPS Act, 630 arrests, and the seizure of 47.527 kg of heroin. Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba highlighted the crackdown on gangster networks with ties to Pakistan.
The police have frozen assets worth Rs 65 crore, primarily linked to gangsters and drug smugglers, within the past year. Despite challenges from across the border, law enforcement has focused on disrupting illegal activities. The region’s proximity to Pakistan has facilitated the smuggling of narcotics and weapons, with drones being used for transportation.
The nexus of “drone-drugs-guns” has become a sophisticated model for criminal operations in border areas. The police have targeted these networks through strategic operations. Gangs leverage drug trafficking and arms supply to fund their activities and recruit local members for criminal tasks. Drones are utilized to drop illicit items into Indian territory, posing security challenges.
The district police have taken action against criminal syndicates through campaigns like ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ and ‘Gangstran Te Vaar.’ Operations such as “Operation Prahar” have resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of heroin. The police have been vigilant in dismantling networks operating from foreign territories, leading to significant seizures and arrests.
