Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint operation with Punjab Police, arrested three operatives linked to a Pakistan-based narco-terror network
In a major crackdown on cross-border crime, Jammu and Kashmir Police has dismantled a Pakistan-linked narco-terror module and arrested three operatives from Punjab, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a pistol and narcotics believed to have been smuggled into India through drone drops from across the border.
The arrested accused have been identified as Harpreet Singh, Surajdeep Singh and Jaspreet Singh, all residents of Amritsar. Investigators allege that the trio was working in coordination with a Pakistan-based drug syndicate and handlers linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Jammu) Joginder Singh, the recovery of an assault rifle significantly strengthens the suspicion that the network was not merely involved in drug trafficking but was also facilitating terror-related activities.
“The seizure of an AK-47 rifle clearly points to their Pakistan link and exposes a sinister plot to carry out a major strike in the coming days,” Singh said.
Probe began with drug syndicate investigation
The breakthrough emerged during the investigation into a drug trafficking network allegedly headed by notorious criminal Gulzar Ahmed alias Lau Gujjar, who was arrested by Miran Sahib Police on April 4 from Prithvipur village in the Bishnah sector.
At the time of his arrest, police recovered a Glock pistol and approximately 280 grams of heroin valued at several lakhs of rupees in the illegal market.
Following Ahmed’s arrest, investigators widened their probe and detained several members of his network, including family members and close associates operating in different regions.
During interrogation, police uncovered information suggesting that the syndicate was not only involved in narcotics trafficking but was also facilitating the movement and supply of illegal weapons.
Joint operation with Punjab Police
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, Jammu and Kashmir Police coordinated with Punjab Police to track the movement of suspects operating from Amritsar.
A joint team subsequently raided a flat located in Dream City Colony in Amritsar and arrested the three accused. During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, approximately 500 grams of narcotics and seized two vehicles allegedly used by the network.
Investigators believe the narcotics and weapons were delivered through drone drops from Pakistan before being distributed through local operatives in India.
Links to larger Pakistan-backed network
Police officials said the latest arrests are part of a wider crackdown on a cross-border narco-terror infrastructure operating with support from Pakistan-based handlers.
SSP Joginder Singh revealed that three other smugglers from Kashmir, allegedly linked to Pakistani agencies, had also been arrested recently and were connected to the same network.
“Investigations are underway to identify and trace other members of the module and uncover the full extent of its operations,” he said.
Authorities suspect the network was being used to push narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir while simultaneously creating channels for the movement of weapons and recruitment of vulnerable youth into terror-linked activities.
Crackdown under anti-drug campaign
The action forms part of the ongoing 100-day “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan” launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to curb drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Union Territory.
Describing the challenge posed by such networks, SSP Singh said Pakistan’s strategy extended beyond drug smuggling.
“This is Pakistan’s bigger conspiracy — first to push our youth into drug addiction and then draw them into terrorism,” he said.
Investigations are continuing to identify additional operatives, financial channels, logistics providers and cross-border handlers linked to the narco-terror module.
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