In a significant crackdown on transnational narcotics operations, the Punjab Police have dismantled a major drug cartel with established links to Turkey, leading to the arrest of three key operatives. This successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Indian law enforcement to combat international drug trafficking networks that attempt to infiltrate the country.
The operation was carried out by the Amritsar Commissionerate Police, who apprehended three individuals identified as Gurdeep Singh alias Saab, Pardeep Sharma, and Mani Sharma. These individuals are believed to be integral members of a drug cartel with connections to Navpreet Singh alias Nav Bhullar, a known smuggler based in Turkey.
During the arrests, authorities seized 1.01 kg of heroin, a substantial amount of hawala money totaling Rs 1.06 crore (including Rs 84.02 lakh in cash and Rs 22 lakh in frozen bank accounts), a cash counting machine, and a vehicle used for their illicit activities. The seizure of hawala money indicates the cartel's involvement in money laundering activities to further their illegal operations.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Gurdeep Singh was managing the local network under the guidance of Nav Bhullar, who provided him with a hideout and logistical support in Amritsar. This highlights the critical role of international connections in sustaining and facilitating drug trafficking activities within the region.
The Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests and stated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigations are currently underway to trace the linkages of the cartel and apprehend other individuals involved in this network.
In a separate but related operation, the Fazilka Police apprehended three drug smugglers and recovered 60,000 Tramadol tablets (100mg) along with the vehicle used for transportation. A FIR has been registered at Jalalabad city police station. This seizure is considered a major blow to the pharmaceutical opioid supply network. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the pharma drug syndicate.
These recent successes are part of a broader effort by the Punjab Police to counter the growing threat of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism in the region. The state has been actively working to dismantle cross-border smuggling networks and apprehend individuals involved in these illicit activities. In late March 2025, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police dismantled a cross-border drug cartel, arresting Mandeep Kaur and three others, seizing 5.2 kg of heroin. In another operation, Counter Intelligence, Amritsar, busted a narco-terror module, arresting four individuals and recovering 4 kg of heroin.
The Punjab Police are committed to combating organized crime and drug trafficking. These recent operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling the complex challenges posed by drug cartels and their international connections.
