Punjab Police's Counter-Intelligence unit in Amritsar made a significant breakthrough in their ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking, arresting Jodhbir Singh, a resident of Naushera in Tarn Taran district, on April 29, 2025. Singh was apprehended following a specific intelligence tip-off, and authorities recovered five illegal pistols from his possession. Among the weapons seized were two PX5 pistols, one .30 bore pistol (Star marked), and two 9mm Glock pistols.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that Singh was allegedly in contact with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler, who facilitated the supply of these illegal weapons into India. Following the arrest, an FIR was registered at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar. The Punjab Police are now focused on identifying and apprehending Singh's associates, as well as tracing the entire network involved in this illegal operation.
In a statement on social media, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, emphasized the police's commitment to maintaining peace and harmony throughout the state. "Punjab Police remains firmly committed to maintaining peace and harmony across the state," he stated.
This arrest comes on the heels of another police operation in Amritsar, where two operatives of a terror module were captured following a brief encounter near Ramdas city on April 28. The accused, identified as Vishal Masih and Lovepreet Singh, both residents of Jafarkot, opened fire at police personnel during a chase but were swiftly overpowered. Weapons and explosives were recovered from their possession, further highlighting the ongoing threat posed by such criminal networks.
Additionally, on April 27, the Counter-Intelligence unit in Amritsar dismantled an illegal weapon smuggling module linked to Pakistan, arresting another individual, Abhishek Kumar. Police recovered seven pistols, four live cartridges, and Rs1,50,000 from Kumar's possession. Investigations revealed that an Australia-based individual named Jassa orchestrated the smuggling of illegal arms and ammunition through the Indo-Pak border, working closely with local associates like Singh and Kumar. Both Singh and Kumar are also reportedly involved in Hawala transactions, indicating their ties to a broader network engaged in various criminal activities.
In a parallel effort to combat the drug crisis gripping the state, DGP Gaurav Yadav has set a deadline of May 31, 2025, for police forces to eradicate the drug menace. During an hour-long high-level meeting with police commissioners, district police chiefs, and other officials, Yadav issued a stern ultimatum, stating that all officers will be held accountable for failing to curb drug availability on the streets.
Yadav clarified that the focus is not merely on meeting numerical targets but on breaking the supply chains that make drugs available in Punjab. Officers will be assessed based on their performance, with feedback from the public and intelligence reports playing a crucial role in this evaluation. Those who excel will be rewarded, while those who fall short will face consequences.
The Punjab Police have identified 755 drug hotspots across the state and are conducting targeted operations to ensure that access to drugs is denied in these vulnerable areas. Yadav noted that various mechanisms and techniques have been discussed to track down major drug traffickers using technology as a force multiplier. With criminals employing sophisticated methods to evade arrest, the police are determined to devise a foolproof strategy that combines technical and human intelligence.
In a related development, Punjab Police have taken decisive action against drug smugglers under the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh.’ On April 29, properties belonging to two drug smugglers were demolished in Amritsar and Patiala districts. In Amritsar, a bulldozer was used to raze the house of Ranjit Singh, who has a criminal history with 12 cases registered against him, including six under the NDPS act.
Similarly, in Patiala, four commercial shops illegally constructed by the family of another drug smuggler, Gurtej Singh alias Bunty, were demolished. These shops were located in Street No. 4 of Baba Deep Singh Nagar and had been built without proper approvals from the Municipal Corporation. The demolition was carried out following a final notice issued by the Municipal Commissioner, and police were deployed to maintain law and order during the operation.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Investigation for Amritsar, Aditya Warrier, warned that anyone who amasses wealth through drug trafficking will face severe consequences, including the demolition of their properties. The state government remains committed to eradicating the drug menace and will not spare anyone involved in this illegal trade.
As Punjab grapples with these pressing issues, the police force is under intense scrutiny to deliver results. The combination of aggressive policing against both drug trafficking and illegal arms supply reflects the state's broader strategy to restore safety and order. With the deadline set by DGP Yadav looming, all eyes will be on the Punjab Police to see if they can meet these ambitious goals and make a significant impact in the fight against crime.
