The Amritsar Police have successfully dismantled a cross-border arms trafficking network in a significant operation, leading to the arrest of two individuals. This crackdown has resulted in the seizure of seven sophisticated pistols along with 40 live cartridges. The police reported these developments on Wednesday.

The individuals apprehended have been identified as Surjit Singh alias Rana, aged 33, from Sur Singh village in Tarn Taran district, and Gulbagh Singh alias Batth, who is 26 years old and resides on Bhai Manj Singh Road in Amritsar. Notably, Singh operates a de-addiction centre located in the Sultanwind area of Amritsar.

During the operation, police uncovered an array of firearms, including a 9mm Glock pistol, a .30 bore Tisas Turkiye pistol, one specially modified .30 bore pistol, and four additional .30 bore pistols. The seizure highlights not only the sophistication of the weapons but also the operations behind their trafficking.

Investigation Reveals Links to Foreign Smugglers

According to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, initial investigations suggest that the arrested individuals were reportedly in contact with smugglers based abroad via social media. They allegedly received illegal consignments of weapons through cross-border channels intended for distribution among criminal factions.

“The arrested accused were receiving weapon consignments via cross-border routes for further supply to criminal elements,” Yadav stated. He further indicated that ongoing efforts are focused on establishing both backward and forward linkages to unveil other participants in the arms supply chain.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar explained that the arrests were made following specific intelligence inputs. Initial police actions led to the recovery of two pistols, and sustained interrogation resulted in the recovery of five additional sophisticated firearms. This methodical approach underscores the thoroughness of the investigation.

Further Investigations and Arrests Anticipated

Bhullar noted that a verification of criminal records revealed that Surjit Singh is already wanted in connection with a narcotics case at Bhikhiwind Police Station in Tarn Taran. This connection suggests his alleged involvement in broader organised crime activities.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement expects to make additional arrests and recover more weapons in the coming days, as they aim to fully unravel the extensive network associated with this smuggling operation. Authorities have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Arms Act in Amritsar, indicating the seriousness of these charges.

The police remain vigilant as they pursue leads to dismantle the remaining components of this arms trafficking network. The ongoing investigation emphasises the commitment of local law enforcement to combat illegal arms smuggling and associated criminal activities in the region.

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