Major International Drug Cartel Dismantled in Amritsar: 60.3 KG Heroin Seized, 9 Arrested
Chandigarh/Amritsar, June 30
In a significant breakthrough under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Rajasthan Police, has dismantled a major international drug cartel operated by Pakistan-based smuggler Tanveer Shah and Canada-based handler Joban Kaler. The operation led to the recovery of 60.302 kg of heroin near the International Border in Barmer, Rajasthan, and the arrest of nine individuals involved in smuggling, trafficking, and hawala operations.
Arrests and Seizures
The arrested individuals include:
- Gagandeep Singh alias Gagan (23), Rampura, Amritsar
- Jashanpreet Singh alias Jashan (20), Khurmania, Amritsar
- Gursahib Singh (25), Boparai Baj, Amritsar
- Rajeev Panjgotra alias Rajveer (29), Kalyana, Jammu & Kashmir
- Somnath (62), Fatehpur Brahmana, Jammu & Kashmir
- Prashotam Singh alias Kala (50), Simbal Camp, Jammu & Kashmir
- Kulwinder Singh (24), Mullechak, Amritsar
- Rajinder Kaur (42), Tanda, Jammu & Kashmir
- One unnamed hawala operator
The consignment of 60.302 kg heroin was intercepted in Barmer, Rajasthan, marking a significant blow to the cartel’s operations.
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Operational Details
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav revealed that the cartel was orchestrated by Tanveer Shah (Pakistan) and Joban Kaler (Canada), with local kingpin Gursahib Singh managing operations from Goindwal Sahib Jail using a mobile phone. The phone was recovered with assistance from jail authorities, and Gursahib’s production warrant was obtained to probe deeper into the Canada-Pakistan nexus. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further forward and backward linkages.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar shared that the operation began after Gursahib’s arrest last month with 1 kg of heroin in Chheharta. Despite being incarcerated, Gursahib continued to run the network through his nephew Jashanpreet Singh and associate Gagandeep Singh, who were later arrested with 102 grams of heroin. Their interrogation led to the discovery of the 60.3 kg heroin consignment in Barmer.
Hawala Network Exposed
The investigation uncovered a hawala network used to channel drug money, with one hawala operator arrested. The drugs were smuggled across the Indo-Pak border, routed through Rajasthan to Punjab, and distributed locally. Five additional associates linked to Tanveer Shah have been identified, with raids underway to apprehend them.
Supervision and Legal Action
The operation was conducted under the supervision of:
- DCP (D) City: Ravinderpal Singh
- ADCP (D): Jagbinder Singh
- ADCP-2: Harpal Singh
- ACP (D): Yadwinder Singh
- ACP West: Shivdarshan Singh
- SHO Chheharta: Vinod Sharma
- CIA-1 Incharge: Amolakdeep Singh
- CIA-2 Incharge: Ravi Kumar
A case has been registered under FIR No. 118, dated June 17, 2025, at Chheharta Police Station, Amritsar, under Sections 21-B, 21-C, 27-B, and 29 of the NDPS Act.
Significance
This operation marks a critical success in Punjab’s fight against drug trafficking, aligning with CM Mann’s vision to eradicate the drug menace. The collaboration between Amritsar Police, BSF, and Rajasthan Police highlights the state’s commitment to disrupting international drug networks and ensuring public safety.
