Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Amritsar Rural Police arrested two hawala operators, Sukhjit Singh and Ranbir Singh, related to drug trafficking, seizing Rs 17.6 lakh in cash and $4,000. This operation is part of a broader initiative against drug networks in Punjab, as stated by DGP Gaurav Yadav.Key Takeaways
- Two hawala operators arrested in Punjab.
- Seizure of Rs 17.6 lakh and $4,000.
- Investigation linked to previous heroin seizure.
- Police dismantling drug financing networks.
- Commitment to eradicate drugs in Punjab.
Chandigarh, March 16 (NationPress) In a significant operation against drug networks, the Amritsar Rural Police detained two hawala operators -- Sukhjit Singh and Ranbir Singh, who were involved in facilitating illegal financial transactions associated with drug trafficking. The police seized Rs 17,60,000 in cash and $4,000, according to Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, on Sunday.
These arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into the seizure of 561 grams of heroin by the police station in Gharinda, in the Amritsar district. The suspects revealed their connections to hawala financing and various drug supply chains.
In addition to the cash, a laptop containing vital transaction records was also retrieved, as noted by DGP Yadav on X.
“The police are systematically dismantling the drug ecosystem -- focusing on traffickers, their financiers, and enablers. Anyone involved in this illicit trade will face severe repercussions,” he stated.
Last week, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reported that the ongoing ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign has yielded promising results, including the seizure of over 81 kg of heroin, over 51 kg of opium, and Rs 60 lakh in cash within 13 days.
A total of 1,259 FIRs have been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), leading to the arrest of 1,759 drug traffickers as of March 13.
Moreover, approximately 7.5 lakh intoxicating tablets and 970 kg of poppy husk, along with other synthetic drugs, have been confiscated by the police, he added.
Additionally, the properties of 29 individuals linked to drug trafficking have been demolished.
Cheema mentioned that these individuals had accumulated crores of rupees in illicit assets through smuggling. He emphasized that the AAP government is dedicated to eradicating drugs from Punjab, with police working tirelessly to take action against drug traffickers.
He insisted that no one involved in drugs would escape justice, and all such individuals would soon face incarceration.
Cheema pointed out that, unlike prior administrations that shielded drug traffickers, the AAP government is enforcing strict measures against them. He accused the former Akali-BJP and Congress governments of orchestrating a plan to ensnare the youth in drug addiction.
He noted that a Cabinet sub-committee of five ministers, led by him, has been actively engaged in the effective implementation of this campaign.
Recently, the district administration of Amritsar demolished the residence of notorious drug smuggler Ajay Kumar Billi, who has five cases registered against him in various police stations, including one under the NDPS Act.
