Noida Police have apprehended two individuals and detained a minor, following the exposure of a gang allegedly engaged in the illegal trading of firearms via Instagram. During the operation, police recovered a total of 11 illegal weapons from the suspects. The haul included five .32 bore pistols, five country-made firearms of .315 bore, and one additional country-made firearm of .32 bore.

The arrests took place near a culvert over a drain located in Sector-14. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Manisha Singh confirmed that the operation was initiated based on manual intelligence and confidential tips received by the police.

The individuals taken into custody are identified as Abhishek and Sameer, with the third suspect being a minor. They are believed to have been actively involved in the illegal firearms trade in the region.

Motive Behind the Illegal Trade

During questioning, the arrested individuals disclosed their motivations for engaging in the firearms trade. They reportedly exhibited a penchant for owning and showcasing illegal weapons, often flaunting these firearms within their social circles to assert their influence over peers and local youths. This initial interest gradually evolved into a monetary venture, providing them with a source of income.

The financial transactions involved in the illegal firearms trade are notable; police revealed that the gang procured illicit pistols for rates ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000 and sold them for figures between Rs 65,000 and Rs 75,000. In comparison, country-made firearms were bought for approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 and sold for nearly Rs 10,000.

The gang’s connection to social media has raised significant concerns. Reportedly, they used Instagram as a platform to reach potential customers, disseminating information about their ability to supply illegal weapons. The gang facilitated transactions by communicating through the app, demonstrating how digital platforms can be exploited for criminal activities.

Continued Investigation and Next Steps

The Noida Police have remanded the arrested individuals to custody and are currently conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the extent of the gang’s operations. Authorities are actively working to identify additional associates and dismantle the network involved in the illegal arms trade.

As part of the investigation, police are also tracing the sources from which these illegal arms were procured. The implications of this case are significant, as it highlights the challenges posed by the use of social media in facilitating criminal activities.

The ongoing efforts by law enforcement aim to ensure that those involved in such illegal enterprises are brought to justice and that the flow of illegal weapons is curtailed in the region. The investigation is expected to evolve as more information comes to light about the suspects and their operations.

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