Five police personnel in Tarn Taran, Punjab, have been booked for allegedly assisting in the release of an impounded passport belonging to Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder. He is reportedly an international drug lord sought by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This development was announced by officials on February 1, 2025.

The case centres around Bhinder, who was apprehended during the state’s anti-drug initiative called ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ last year. Following his arrest, the Regional Passport Office in Amritsar confiscated his passport. Despite this, the implicated officers are alleged to have issued a no objection certificate (NOC) and provided a favourable report that facilitated the release of the passport.

A preliminary inquiry conducted by authorities has identified five officers responsible: Inspector Prabhjit Singh, ASI Lakhwinder Singh, ASI Gurwinder Singh, Head Constable Harkanwal Singh, and Constable Dharminder Singh. An FIR has been filed against them, and sources indicate that these officers are currently absconding.

Drug Lord’s Escape and International Connections

Shehnaz Singh, a resident of Batala, was arrested in March 2024 as part of the anti-drug drive within the state. His passport was initially seized at the request of the Punjab Police. However, after securing bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in October 2025, he allegedly managed to flee the country due to the release of his passport.

Bhinder is wanted by the FBI for his involvement in a significant drug operation that occurred in February 2025, resulting in the confiscation of substantial quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. Investigations have revealed that he is linked to a global drug syndicate involved in smuggling narcotics from Colombia to markets in the US and Canada.

Surendra Lamba, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Tarn Taran, confirmed that further investigations are underway and that the roles of additional police personnel are also under scrutiny. It has been noted that two of the accused had previously been suspended concerning this case.

Government’s Stance on Drug-Related Activities

In light of this incident, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards illicit drug activities. Officials stated that strict action will be taken against any police personnel found to be complicit with drug trafficking networks, emphasising that consequences will apply to individuals regardless of their rank within the police force.

The Punjab government made a public statement on social media platform X, declaring its commitment to taking action against all individuals who support drug peddlers. This move is part of the ongoing strategy against narcotics as outlined in the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative.

As the investigation develops, the authorities aim to ensure accountability within law enforcement and reinforce their position against the drug menace plaguing the region. The government’s rigorous approach reflects its commitment to combating drug-related crime in Punjab.

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