Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Nov 27: In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has dismantled a significant drug trafficking module with the arrest of one smuggler and the recovery of over 6.7 kg of narcotics. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Thursday that the operation led to the seizure of 5.084 kg of heroin, 1.681 kg of ICE (methamphetamine), and Rs 6.50 lac in drug money.

The arrest was made by the ANTF Ropar Range, and the accused has been identified as Akashdeep Singh from Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran. Along with the narcotics and cash, police recovered a leather bag, two electronic weighing machines, and impounded a white Chevrolet Cruze (DL 82 AP 9522) allegedly used for delivering drug consignments.

According to DGP Yadav, initial investigation indicates that Akashdeep had links with a key handler responsible for coordinating the distribution network. He added that further probes are underway to trace both backward and forward linkages to dismantle the entire supply chain.

AIG (ANTF–Ropar Range) A.S. Aulakh said that a raid was carried out based on specific intelligence that the accused and his associates were hiding with a large consignment of contraband in a flat at Nature Hut 3, Kharar. The operation, led by DSP Yogesh Kumar, resulted in Akashdeep’s arrest, while two of his associates fled by jumping into an adjacent empty plot.

Raids are ongoing to apprehend the absconding suspects, and more recoveries are expected. A case under Sections 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act was registered on November 24 at Mohali Police Station.