Punjab Police: Cross-border guns and drug smugglers busted
Punjab Police has done a commendable job. Jugraj Singh alias Chotu, along with 12 other members of a cross-border narcotics and weapon smuggling gang, have been detained by Gurdaspur police in India. Drones were being used by the gang to bring in drugs and weapons from Pakistan. Six weapons, seven magazines, 77 live rounds, 4.5 kg of heroin, INR 34 lakh ($45,000), and drug money were all found by the police.
Gurdaspur is a vibrant district located in the state of Punjab, India. Nestled in the fertile plains of the northwestern region, Gurdaspur boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The district is known for its picturesque landscapes, with lush green fields, rolling hills, and the majestic River Ravi flowing through its heart. Gurdaspur holds great significance in the history of India’s struggle for independence as it was the site of numerous movements and events during the colonial era.
The district is also renowned for its religious diversity, housing significant shrines like the Gurudwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib and the Dera Baba Nanak. The people of Gurdaspur are warm and hospitable, and their traditional Punjabi culture is reflected in their vibrant festivals, lively music, and delicious cuisine. Gurdaspur truly offers a delightful blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
The guns were designed to target executions and extortion. Six more members of the group have been identified by the police, and the guys who were arrested are from the Gurdaspur district.
In Gurdaspur, police on Thursday disrupted a module of drone-based narcotics and weapon smuggling, detaining 13 of its members, including the ringleader Jugraj Singh alias Chotu.
In addition to 4.5kg of heroin, six weapons, including two Glocks, seven magazines, 77 live rounds, and 34 lakh in drug money, the police also arrested the suspect. At a news briefing in Gurdaspur, deputy inspector general (DIG-border range) Narinder Bhargav stated that the firearms found were intended for extortion and crimes, including target killings.
The arrested men have been identified as kingpin Jugraj Singh alias Chotu, Gursahib Singh alias Saath, Daljit Singh, Gagandeep Singh alias Bundi, Bikramjit Singh alias Bikka, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, Ravinder Singh alias Rohit, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Muhava, Goli alias Bunty Masih, Karandeep Singh alias Karan, Harpal Singh, Varinder Kumar alias Babbu and Arun Kumar, cops said.
“Three suspects, Harpal, Varinder, and Arun, were detained last month in Shahpur Afghana village with 2.4 kilograms of heroin and 2 lacs in drug money. According to Bhargav, the suspect’s capture led to suspicions that a high-level network was utilizing drones to transfer drugs and weapons out of Pakistan.
“To uncover the entire network, a special team was established and placed under the direction of SP-Operation Jagjit Singh Saroya. After conducting a thorough investigation, the team discovered that the accused were also connected to a case filed in March against unnamed individuals for employing drones to smuggle contraband out of Pakistan. Ten more suspects in the module, including its mastermind Chotu, were taken into custody while the trio was being questioned.
The ten members were found to be in possession of six weapons, their magazines, and ammunition, as well as $32 lakh in drug money, Bhargav continued.
The inquiry, according to the DIG, also showed that Bundi, Bikka, and Daljit were responsible for retrieving the 2.16 kg of heroin that was found on April 16 at the India-Pakistan border.
The kingpin had been leading the network in concert with several Pakistani traffickers, according to a senior police official. “Chotu, who has already been charged with four drug offences, had been in charge of the network since his return from Germany,” he said. In a narcotics case, his father, Avtar Singh, who was also a known drug courier, received a ten-year term.
More recoveries and revelations are anticipated in the upcoming days, the DIG said, adding that all the accused will be questioned while they are being held by the police.
Director General of Police for Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, stated in a tweet, “In a major breakthrough Gurdaspur police busted an international gang of cross-border guns and narcotics smugglers while making a huge recovery… A big target killing and extortion attempt were stopped. Gangs’ fully interconnected ecosystem was discovered.
