Mudasir Maqbool
Gurdaspur, Punjab : In a major breakthrough against cross border arms smuggling Gurdaspur Police in coordination with a central agency has busted an arms smuggling module following a hot chase and arrested five accused recovering six pistols and 49 live cartridges of 30 calibre and 9mm ammunition.
According to police the operation was carried out as part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal movement of weapons across the international border.
The suspects were apprehended after police teams pursued them during the operation.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the recovered weapons were allegedly smuggled into the country through drones, pointing towards the use of unmanned aerial platforms by cross-border networks to facilitate the clandestine movement of arms.
Police said one of the arrested accused has an extensive criminal record with 26 FIRs registered against him in connection with serious offences including murder, attempt to murder violations under the Arms Act and offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
An FIR has been registered at Police Station Dorangla in Gurdaspur.
Investigators are now working to establish the complete network behind the arms supply chain and identify its backward and forward linkages.
The investigation will focus on tracing the source of the weapons, identifying the handlers and intended recipients, and determining whether the module has links with other criminal or cross-border networks.
The latest action comes amid heightened efforts by security and law enforcement agencies in Punjab to prevent the smuggling of weapons and other contraband through the international border, particularly through emerging methods such as drone based deliveries.
Police said further investigation is underway and more arrests and recoveries cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses. Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks, curbing cross-border arms smuggling and strengthening the security of citizens.
In Social Media Platform X Punjab police posted In a major breakthrough, Gurdaspur Police, in coordination with a central agency, foils a cross-border arms smuggling module following a hot chase, apprehends 5 accused and recovers 6 pistols, along with 49 live cartridges of 30-calibre and 9mm ammunition.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the weapons were smuggled through drones. One of the arrested accused has a criminal history involving 26 FIRs pertaining to murder, attempt to murder, Arms Act and NDPS Act offences.
An FIR has been registered at PS Dorangla, Gurdaspur. Further investigation is underway to uncover the backward and forward linkages of the network and identify other persons involved in the cross-border arms smuggling module.
Punjab Police remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, curbing cross-border arms smuggling and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
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