Punjab Police bust an international drug syndicate using jackets to smuggle narcotics

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SAS Nagar police have dismantled an international drug syndicate that used innovative methods to smuggle narcotics into Punjab. The operation culminated in the arrest of two officers who used jackets to conceal heroin. Announcing the successful operation, state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Friday that police had recovered three half-sleeved jackets, each containing 500 grams of heroin, totaling 1.5 kilograms.

The arrested persons have been identified as Sukhdeep Singh alias Raja, a resident of Bhana in Faridkot; and Krishan, who hails from Ajaib in Rohtak. In addition to the drugs, the police also seized their white Hyundai Aura (HR 12 AT 7091), which they used to transport narcotics disguised as a taxi.

Yadav revealed that preliminary investigations have revealed links between the arrested duo and an Afghan national based in Delhi, suggesting links with international drug cartels. “These drug shipments were purchased from an Afghan based in Delhi, exposing their network with international drug cartels and their clever tactics of concealing heroin in jackets to evade detection,” the DGP said.

The syndicate’s operational methods – concealing heroin in jackets – indicate a high level of sophistication aimed at evading law enforcement. The investigation revealed that Sukhdeep and Krishan had smuggled four separate consignments of heroin in the past two months in connivance with a notorious drug smuggler from Kotkapura, Lakhwinder Singh.

Lakhwinder Singh, who is currently evading arrest, is believed to be the mastermind behind this drug trafficking network, having previously faced at least ten cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The recent consignment of 10 kilos of heroin was reportedly purchased in mid-September, intended for distribution in Moga. Police are actively searching for clues to arrest Lakhwinder Singh and further dismantle this extensive drug network.

Providing insights into the operation, DIG Ropar Range, Nilambari Jagdale, explained how the police responded to a credible tip-off about the two suspects traveling from Delhi to Mohali in a white Hyundai Aura. Police teams, led by DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar, quickly set up a special check point near Dappar toll plaza in Lalru, successfully intercepting the vehicle and seizing the narcotics.

Mohali SSP Deepak Pareek disclosed that Sukhdeep Singh has a criminal past as he was involved in a kidnapping case registered against him in 2020. Since his release on bail from Faridkot Jail in May 2024, Sukhdeep has reportedly reintegrated into the drug smuggling network and started operations. in July 2024. Police have identified a rental property in Sohana, SAS Nagar, where the suspects facilitated their drug trafficking activities.

An FIR, dated October 3, 2024, has been registered under Sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Lalru police station in SAS Nagar, marking an important step in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Punjab.

“Police teams are on a manhunt to nab the absconding Lakhwinder Singh. Further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward links in this case,” the DGP said.