In a major breakthrough in the high-profile 30 kg heroin recovery case in Punjab, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has arrested two more accused, including a juvenile, and recovered an additional 5.041 kg of heroin in two separate operations.
The development comes as part of the Punjab Government's intensified campaign against drug trafficking under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.According to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, the latest arrests have exposed links to a Dubai-based drug smuggler, who was allegedly facilitating the supply of heroin consignments from across the international border into Punjab.
Two More Arrested in Punjab Heroin Smuggling Case
The newly arrested accused has been identified as Abhishek alias Abhi alias Bhindi (25), a resident of Chheharta in Amritsar, along with a juvenile. Police records indicate that Abhishek has a criminal history and has previously been booked under the NDPS Act, Arms Act, and in cases related to snatching and assault.
The arrests come just days after the Commissionerate Police had arrested six individuals, including two juveniles, and recovered 30.045 kg heroin from their possession in one of the biggest heroin seizures in recent months.
Dubai-Based Smuggler Under Scanner
DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that investigations have revealed the involvement of a Dubai-based narcotics handler, who was coordinating the delivery of heroin consignments smuggled across the border. He said police teams are now working to identify the entire network, trace financial transactions, and investigate possible hawala links connected to the drug syndicate.
“Further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages, identify all associates, trace the money trail, and uncover any hawala connections,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav.
Additional 5 Kg Heroin Recovered
Sharing details of the operation, Amritsar Commissioner of Police (CP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police teams acted on information gathered during the investigation of the cross-border drug smuggling network.Based on disclosures made by arrested accused Kabir alias Kaku, police recovered an additional 2.006 kg heroin and subsequently arrested two of his associates.
In another operation, police received information regarding an accident involving Vanshdeep Singh, an operative linked to the drug network. Acting swiftly, police reached the spot and shifted the injured accused to a hospital.During the search of his Activa scooter, police recovered 3.035 kg heroin, taking the total fresh recovery to 5.041 kg.
Accused to Be Formally Arrested After Medical Clearance
CP Gurpreet Bhullar revealed that Vanshdeep Singh had been released on bail from Central Jail, Amritsar, on February 2, 2025. He is currently undergoing medical treatment and will be formally arrested once doctors declare him fit.
How the Drug Network Operated
Preliminary investigations have found that the Dubai-based smuggler, already wanted in three major NDPS cases, used to share drop locations with members of the network. The accused would collect heroin consignments from designated locations and further distribute them to drug peddlers and buyers across the region.
Fresh FIR Registered
In connection with the latest recovery, the police have registered a fresh case:
FIR No. 131 dated June 14, 2026
Sections 21-C and 25 of the NDPS Act
Police Station Chheharta, Amritsar
Punjab Police officials said investigations are continuing to identify all members of the international drug trafficking network and dismantle the entire supply chain.