Amritsar Police Bust Major Cross-Border Drug Cartel, Seize 10.2 kg Heroin and Arrest Three

• May 19, 2025

In a major breakthrough, Amritsar police have dismantled a trans-border drug trafficking network, seizing 10.2 kg of heroin and arresting three individuals linked to the operation. The arrests and seizures mark another significant step in Punjab’s ongoing battle against narcotics smuggling from across the border.

According to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, who were using drones to push heroin consignments into Indian territory. The arrested individuals were part of the local distribution network responsible for further dispersing the contraband.

The three accused have been identified as:

• Sandeep Singh (30), a resident of Kotli Vasawa Singh, a border village in Tarn Taran district, and a seasoned trafficker active since 2018.

• Akashdeep Singh (22), a barber from Cheema Kalan village.

• Akash alias Mota (19), also from Cheema Kalan, Tarn Taran.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stated that acting on credible intelligence, the CIA staff intercepted Akashdeep and Akash on Gurdwara Bohri Sahib Road, seizing 1.01 kg of heroin and a motorcycle. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Sandeep Singh on Chabhal Road, along with the seizure of 9.2 kg of heroin and another motorcycle.

Sandeep is believed to have trafficked over 200 kg of heroin since 2018, making him a key player in the region’s narcotics trade. Police have obtained remand for further questioning and are working to identify other members of the network.

A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at the Islamabad police station, and officials anticipate more arrests and recoveries as the investigation unfolds.

The crackdown highlights the growing challenge of drone-assisted drug smuggling from Pakistan and the need for continued intelligence-led operations to curb the menace.