Punjab Police : Seize Large Heroin and Arms Cache in Amritsar Operation
Punjab Police: on Thursday announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking and illegal arms movement, confirming the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of a substantial narcotics and weapons consignment in Amritsar district. Officials described the operation as part of a broader, intelligence-driven effort to dismantle networks operating across state and international borders.
Major Recovery in Amritsar Rural Area
According to police officials, the Amritsar Rural Police recovered nearly 43 kilograms of heroin during the operation. Alongside the narcotics, officers also seized four hand grenades, a Star Mark pistol, and 46 live cartridges of .30 bore ammunition. An abandoned motorcycle believed to be linked to the suspects was also taken into custody as part of the investigation.
The scale of the seizure points to a well-organised operation rather than isolated criminal activity, police sources said, noting that the recovered materials posed a serious threat to public safety if they had reached the streets.
Role of Village Defence Committee
Police credited the Village Defence Committee (VDC) for providing crucial assistance during the operation. Information shared by local community members helped law enforcement track suspicious movements and secure the area, officials said.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav acknowledged the cooperation, stating that community participation continues to play an important role in identifying and disrupting criminal networks at the grassroots level.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Following the seizure, two individuals, both residents of Amritsar, were arrested in connection with the case. Police confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify additional suspects who may be involved and are currently absconding.
Authorities are also working to establish the complete chain of possession of the seized narcotics and weapons. This includes tracing how the consignment entered the region, identifying intermediaries, and determining the intended recipients.
Focus on Financial and Logistical Links
The latest arrests come against the backdrop of earlier action by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar. On January 25, officials revealed they had identified a key financial link in a cross-border narco-terror network with the arrest of Satnam Singh.
According to police, the accused allegedly allowed proceeds from heroin trafficking to be routed through his personal bank account and UPI credentials. Investigators believe this was done at the direction of a Pakistan-based smuggler, highlighting the use of digital payment systems to move illicit funds while avoiding detection.
Links to Wider Criminal Network
Police officials said preliminary findings suggest that the network connected to Satnam Singh has been linked to several major drug and arms seizures in recent years. The same network is also suspected to have played a role in the grenade attack reported in Sirsa, Haryana, in November 2025.
While investigations are still ongoing, authorities believe the financial channel uncovered by the SSOC was a critical component enabling the movement of both narcotics and weapons across regions.
Zero-Tolerance Approach Emphasised
DGP Gaurav Yadav reiterated that Punjab Police remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy against narco-terrorism and organised crime. He said enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on dismantling the financial and logistical structures that sustain such networks, rather than limiting action to individual couriers or local handlers.
Officials stressed that further arrests are likely as investigations progress and more links are established. Police have also indicated that coordination with central agencies and neighbouring states will continue to ensure that cross-border elements involved in such activities are identified and brought to justice.
Community Safety and National Security
Senior officers noted that operations of this nature are essential not only for curbing drug abuse but also for protecting national security. The combination of narcotics trafficking and illegal arms movement, they said, poses long-term risks that require sustained and coordinated action.
Punjab Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by sharing information that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.