In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against narcotics, Punjab Police apprehended two notorious drug smugglers, recognized as "big fish" in the illicit trade, along with three accomplices in Amritsar. The operation resulted in the seizure of 3 kilograms of heroin and a staggering ₹5.25 lakh in drug money, as announced by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, on Tuesday.
The arrested brothers, identified as Manjit Singh alias Manna and Lavjit Singh alias Lav alias Labh, residents of Guru ki Wadali Chheharta in Amritsar, were considered fugitives since 2015. Alongside them, their three associates were also apprehended: Kans Kaur of Chheharta in Amritsar, Harmanjit Singh alias Harman, and Manpreet Singh alias Manna, residents of village Dhun Dhahewal in Tarn Taran.
In addition to the narcotics and cash haul, law enforcement impounded three vehicles – a Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai i20, and Renault Pulse – as well as a Splendour motorcycle. An electronic weighing scale was also seized from their possession.
DGP Gaurav Yadav disclosed that both Lavjit alias Lav and Manjit alias Manna were wanted in a dozen cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Remarkably, they were on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's (DRI) most-wanted list in connection with a 260-kilogram heroin seizure case in Mumbai and a 356-kilogram heroin seizure case investigated by Delhi Special Cell.
Yadav further revealed that the accused had obtained fake passports from Lucknow, with addresses in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, and had plans to flee the country. Preliminary investigations uncovered their involvement in a Hawala network, which has now been dismantled.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, provided additional details, stating that the arrests followed reliable intelligence about Harmanjit alias Harman's intention to supply heroin after collecting a consignment from Lavjit alias Lav and Manjit alias Manna. The police team intercepted Harman, recovering 2 kilograms of heroin, ₹1.25 lakh in drug money, and a Hyundai i20.
A subsequent operation led to the arrest of the two brothers and their accomplices, resulting in the recovery of an additional 1 kilogram of heroin, ₹4 lakh in drug money, two cars, and one motorcycle. Identified properties, including a house in Amritsar and land/plots in various locations, allegedly acquired using drug money, are now under scrutiny.
Ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the entire drug cartel, identifying further individuals involved. A case has been registered under FIR no. 15 dated 20-1-2024, citing sections 21-C, 27-A, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Gate Hakima in Amritsar.