Tarn Taran police mark major victory against drug smuggling

In a significant victory against cross-border drug smuggling networks, the Tarn Taran Police have apprehended a drug smuggler associated with syndicates in Pakistan and the United States, seizing 15 kg of heroin in the process.

This action is part of the ongoing anti-narcotics initiative "Yudh Nashean Virudh," spearheaded under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, as confirmed by Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Monday.

The suspect, identified as Harshpreet Singh from Roranwala, Amritsar, was arrested along with a white Activa scooter (bearing the registration PB 02 CJ 4165) used for his illicit activities.

This arrest follows the dismantling of another drug trafficking operation by Tarn Taran Police just a day earlier, which resulted in the apprehension of two smugglers and the seizure of 6 kg of heroin.

DGP Yadav disclosed that a preliminary investigation indicates the heroin seized was part of a larger smuggling network orchestrated by Gurnam Kallowal, a smuggler based in the USA, with ties to a Pakistani accomplice known as Pahalwan, who deployed drones to transport the drugs across the border. Harshpreet Singh's role was to collect these consignments near the border for distribution to local dealers while remitting proceeds through hawala networks as directed by his US-based handler.

Further investigations are underway to trace the broader network's connections and operatives involved in this operation.

Providing insight into the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran detailed that upon receiving credible intelligence regarding Harshpreet's activities, the CIA team, under the supervision of SP Investigation Ajay Raj, DSP Goindwal Sahib Atul Soni, and DSP Special Crime Gurinder Pal Nagra, conducted a targeted operation. Singh was arrested in Rakh Sarai Amanat Khan as he attempted to deliver the drug load using his scooter.

Efforts continue to map out the entire supply chain of this syndicate, focusing on suppliers, intermediaries, and consumers, while determining the total volume of drugs trafficked by the suspect. More detentions and seizures are anticipated in the near future, SSP added.

The incident has been filed under FIR No. 66, dated March 31, 2025, in accordance with section 21(c) of the NDPS Act at the Sadar Tarn Taran Police Station.