Amritsar: The Amritsar Commissionerate Police have dismantled three suspected networks engaged in drug trafficking and the illegal supply of firearms, taking five individuals into custody and seizing 13 pistols, 3.267 kg of heroin and 22 live cartridges, according to an official statement.
Investigators said initial inquiries suggested that those detained were allegedly part of operations to procure and distribute unlicensed weapons and narcotics across the region.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were involved in the supply of illegal weapons and narcotics,” police said, noting that efforts were underway to trace additional associates connected to the syndicates.
Separate first information reports (FIRs) have been lodged at the D-Division and Chheharta police stations in Amritsar in connection with the seizures, officials added.
Police stated that teams were mapping the backward and forward linkages of all three networks to pinpoint the origin of the arms and drugs, as well as their intended end-users, as reported by The Statesman.
The probe is also examining possible connections with handlers based abroad and other accomplices believed to be facilitating the movement and distribution of the contraband, authorities said.
“Further investigation is underway to uncover the complete backward and forward linkages and identify other persons involved in the networks,” police said.
Authorities did not immediately reveal the names of the five detainees or provide a detailed breakdown of recoveries linked to each of the three operations.
The crackdown follows a string of similar actions by Punjab Police targeting alleged narcotics and illegal arms rings in the border belt.
Officials indicated that more arrests and recoveries could follow as investigators widen the net and scrutinise the alleged ties of those held with suppliers and buyers.
Punjab Police reiterated that its campaign against drug trafficking and illegal weapons networks operating in the state would continue.