The Amritsar Commissionerate Police, in a joint operation with a central agency, has busted a major network involved in the cross-border trafficking of illegal weapons and narcotics, as well as *hawala* (illegal money transfer) operations. Seven individuals, including an Afghan national and a juvenile, have been arrested in this operation. Police recovered sophisticated weapons, a large quantity of heroin, and cash linked to *hawala* transactions from their possession.
According to the police, a total of 10 sophisticated weapons were recovered from the accused, including two sub-machine guns. Additionally, 5.048 kg of heroin and *hawala* cash amounting to ₹30.38 lakh were seized. This recovery is being hailed as a major success in recent times. Network operators based abroad: Preliminary investigations reveal that the entire network was operating at the behest of handlers based overseas. The accused were in contact with foreign handlers via social media and acted according to their instructions. Investigative agencies suspect that the accused were periodically supplied with consignments of weapons and narcotics, which they would then pass on to criminal elements. Police officials stated that the gang was not limited to smuggling narcotics and weapons but also engaged in financial transactions via the *hawala* route. The *hawala* system was used to transfer funds and collect payments at various locations, facilitating financial dealings between the overseas operators and the local network.
Interrogation of the accused underway
An FIR has been registered at the Islamabad police station in connection with the case. The police are now conducting intensive interrogation of the arrested individuals to identify other members of the network. Investigative agencies are also trying to determine the number of consignments supplied by the gang so far and the specific individuals to whom the weapons and narcotics were delivered. Officials state that the scope of the investigation is being continuously expanded. Special teams are working to trace the network’s backward and forward linkages, clarify the role of foreign operators, and identify other associates. The possibility of further arrests and additional recoveries in the coming days cannot be ruled out.
