Malerkotla Police thwart inter-state drug smuggling operation

Malerkotla, November 27, 2023: In a significant stride against cross-border narcotics trade, aligning with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision and under the direction of DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, Malerkotla Police has successfully dismantled a smuggling racket today.

Malerkotla Police led the operation, arresting three individuals and seizing a considerable amount of opium, coupled with a substantial sum of drug money. This strategic move marks a robust step in the ongoing war on drugs.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as Javed alias Jaidi, Anwar Khan, and a juvenile, Salman Khan, representing a father-son duo and a youth residing in different localities of Malerkotla.

Providing insights into the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police Malerkotla, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, said that acting on credible intelligence, a meticulously planned operation was conducted by the CIA Malerkotla team, led by Inspector Harjinder Singh under the supervision of DSP Detective Amarjit Singh. Through meticulous investigation, it was revealed that a trio from West Bengal (Calcutta) was attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of opium into Malerkotla.

With swift action, the police intercepted the accused individuals near the Malerkotla bus stand. Upon thorough search, the police recovered 2.56 kg of opium concealed within a black bag, along with Rs. 16,000 in drug money. The preliminary Investigations revealed that the accused individuals had procured the opium from West Bengal (Calcutta) and were intending to distribute and sell it in Malerkotla.

The arrested individuals have been booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station City Malerkotla.

The arrested individuals will be produced in the local court, and their remand will be sought for further investigation. Ongoing efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members associated with the trafficking network.

SSP Khakh commended the team's exceptional vigilance and swift action in dismantling this inter-state narcotics trafficking network emphasising that this seizure deals a significant blow to the drug trade in the region.

Malerkotla Police is committed to safeguarding the community from the detrimental effects of drug trafficking, particularly those involving inter-state networks.