Amritsar, May 3: Amritsar Commissionerate Police have neutralised a significant cross-border arms smuggling network, arresting four individuals and seizing seven high-end pistols. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated on Sunday that the operation is part of an ongoing state-wide initiative to enhance security and curb illegal weapon distribution across Punjab.
The arrested suspects, identified as Samarbir Singh, Satnam Singh, Tanupreet Singh, and Karanjot Singh, are residents of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. According to police officials, the recovered arsenal includes two Austrian-made 9MM Glock pistols and five .30 bore pistols, four of which were manufactured in China. Investigations revealed that the group utilised social media to maintain contact with handlers based in Pakistan.
The DGP affirmed that the illegal consignments were transported into Indian territory using drones before being distributed to local criminal elements. “Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms,” he asserted. Police personnel are currently working to trace the forward and backward linkages of the network to identify further associates.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar declared that the breakthrough began with the arrest of Samarbir Singh, which subsequently led to the apprehension of his three accomplices. He maintained that the suspects, who were previously employed as salesmen, were working under the direct instructions of a foreign handler. A formal case has been registered under the Arms Act at the Amritsar Cantonment Police Station.
