Punjab Police : Crack Major Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Network Under Operation Prahar

Punjab Police:  have achieved a significant breakthrough in their ongoing fight against organised crime by dismantling a major cross-border arms smuggling network. Acting under the recently launched Operation Prahar, law enforcement authorities arrested two key suspects and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms. The operation highlights the state government’s aggressive stance against illegal weapon circulation and organised criminal networks operating across international borders.

Background of the Operation

Operation Prahar is a statewide security initiative launched to target organised crime, gangster syndicates, and illegal arms trafficking in Punjab. The campaign was rolled out with a clear objective: to break the backbone of criminal networks by cutting off their access to weapons. According to senior police officials, illegal arms are the primary resource that enables organised crime to thrive, making weapon recovery a top priority for law enforcement agencies.

The recent arrests were made as part of this broader initiative, which involves intelligence-driven operations and coordinated action across multiple districts. The focus has been on identifying networks with foreign links, especially those using digital platforms to communicate and coordinate illegal activities.

Arrest of Key Accused

In a major intelligence-led breakthrough, the Amritsar Police arrested two individuals identified as Gurpreet Gopi and Biki Wind. Both suspects are residents of the Tarn Taran district and were allegedly acting as local operatives for Pakistan-based weapon smugglers. Investigators revealed that the accused were in regular contact with handlers across the border through social media platforms, where they received instructions regarding weapon consignments.

Police officials confirmed that the suspects were on the verge of receiving further directions when the operation was executed. Timely surveillance and precise intelligence inputs allowed the police to dismantle the entire network in a single coordinated action, preventing the weapons from reaching criminal elements within the state.

Recovery of Sophisticated Weapons

During the operation, police recovered six high-grade and lethal firearms. The seized weapons included two 9mm Glock pistols and four .304 calibre pistols. These weapons are considered highly sophisticated and are often used by organised crime groups due to their firepower and reliability.

Authorities stated that the recovery of such advanced firearms underscores the seriousness of the smuggling network and the potential threat it posed to public safety. By intercepting these weapons before distribution, the police have averted possible incidents of violent crime and gang-related activities.

Zero Tolerance Policy Against Organised Crime

Senior police leadership credited the success of the operation to the state government’s zero tolerance policy against organised crime. Under this policy, strict and immediate action is being taken against individuals involved in gang activities, arms smuggling, and cross-border criminal operations.

Officials revealed that alongside this specific arrest, a large-scale crackdown has been underway across Punjab. In a single day, more than 100 organised criminals were arrested, with further proceedings continuing as part of the ongoing drive. Special attention has been given to sensitive districts such as Amritsar, which are considered vulnerable due to their proximity to the international border.

Statewide Crackdown and Future Strategy

The arms smuggling bust was part of an intensive 72-hour statewide drive involving more than 12,000 police personnel. These officers were divided into nearly 2,000 special teams tasked with conducting raids, surveillance, and verification operations. The raids targeted locations linked to around 60 foreign-based gangsters and their local associates spread across various districts of Punjab.

Police officials have indicated that this operation is not a one-time effort but part of a sustained strategy to dismantle organised crime networks permanently. Enhanced border surveillance, cyber monitoring, and community intelligence inputs will continue to play a crucial role in upcoming operations.

Impact on Public Safety

The successful execution of Operation Prahar has sent a strong message to criminal networks operating within and outside the state. By disrupting the supply chain of illegal weapons, the Punjab Police have reinforced public confidence in law enforcement and demonstrated their commitment to maintaining law and order.

Authorities have reiterated that similar intelligence-based operations will continue in the coming weeks, with a focus on eliminating cross-border crime and ensuring long-term security for residents of Punjab.