AMRITSAR, Dec 19 — Punjab Police say a foreign-based smuggler was directing a local network that allegedly used drones to deliver heroin and illegal arms near the Indo-Pak border, following the arrest of three men and the seizure of 4.5 kilograms of heroin and a firearm.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the operation began with the arrest of Gurwinder Singh alias Gopi, who was found carrying heroin and a pistol.
“Gurwinder Singh was apprehended with 1.5 kilograms of heroin and one .30-bore pistol,” Bhullar said. “His interrogation led to the identification of two more accused.”
Police subsequently arrested Tilak alias Shibu and Daljit Singh alias Lala and recovered 3 kilograms of heroin from them, officials said.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the three were allegedly acting on instructions received through social media from a handler based outside India.
“The accused were transporting and supplying heroin and illegal arms on the directions of a foreign-based handler,” Yadav said, adding that multiple locations were involved.
Investigators said Gurwinder Singh’s proximity to the border in Ferozepur played a key role in the operation.
“He was actively receiving drug consignments and other illegal items through drone drops in the Ferozepur region,” Bhullar said.
The arrested men are aged between 18 and 23 and were residing in different parts of Amritsar at the time of their arrest, police said.
An FIR has been registered at Gate Hakima police station under provisions of the NDPS Act and the Arms Act. Police said efforts are continuing to identify other members of the network and trace the source and destination of the seized contraband.
