Mohali, June 26: The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has secured a significant breakthrough against organized crime networks by recovering 713 illegal weapons during the 152-day operation named ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’. Directed by the Punjab Government’s sustained crackdown on criminal elements, the intensive drive also yielded 218 magazines and 2,009 rounds of live ammunition across multiple districts.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that organized crime syndicates frequently exploit impressionable individuals to execute illicit activities. “The gangsters heavily lure youngsters to carry their illegal works, and offering them illegal weapons is one of them,” the DGP declared, adding that the recovery of these weapons successfully preempted several planned crimes across the state.
According to regional operational data, the largest seizures were recorded in the border districts. Search operations led to the recovery of 243 illegal arms in Tarn Taran, 201 in Amritsar city, 155 in Ferozepur, and 92 in Amritsar Rural, reflecting the focused efforts of the specialized task force in sensitive zones.
The state police recently expanded the scope of their searches, which resulted in the neutralisation of several supply chains. The recovered inventory includes a mix of sophisticated, highly advanced weaponry alongside local country-made pistols used by gang associates.
Illustrating the cross-border dimensions of these networks, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police recently dismantled a smuggling module by arresting eight individuals. The suspects were found in possession of 11 sophisticated pistols intended for extortion and violent activities, while a separate action by the Ludhiana CIA Staff team led to the apprehension of two more armed operatives.
The DGP affirmed that the police department maintains an uncompromising stance against arms trafficking. “The AGTF is performing great work in coordination with other departments, and in the coming days the crackdown on gangsters and their operations will continue across the state,” he asserted.
