In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, Jalandhar Rural Police have successfully dismantled an interstate poppy husk smuggling network, arresting two smugglers and recovering 102 kg of poppy husk (Mal) transported in a specially modified truck.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jalandhar Rural, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, stated on Monday that the operation also resulted in the impounding of the truck (HP-12-D-8481) fitted with a hidden compartment designed to conceal contraband.
The operation followed specific intelligence inputs about the movement of a large consignment of poppy husk. Special teams were constituted under the close supervision of SP Investigation Jasroop Kaur Bath and DSP Shahkot Onkar Singh Brar. Acting promptly, the police team, led by SI Gurnam Singh of Police Station Shahkot, intercepted the truck during a special nakabandi at T-point on the Moga-Jalandhar highway.
Arrests and absconding accused
The two arrested individuals have been identified as Harpreet Singh alias Happy, son of Darshan Singh of Kathunangal, Amritsar Rural, and Varinder Singh alias Raju, son of Malkit Singh of Thatta Nawan, Talwandi Chaudrian, Kapurthala.
Two other suspects, Sonu of Daulewala, Kot Ise Khan, Moga, and Karan of Saichan, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, are currently absconding.
Syndicate operations exposed
Preliminary investigations revealed the smuggling network’s interstate operations, with key figures directing activities from Kapurthala and Goindwal jails. SSP Khakh explained that these individuals orchestrated the transportation of poppy husk from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh into Punjab. “We will seek production warrants for the accused lodged in these jails, bring them on police remand, and arrest them in this case to uncover the entire network,” he added.
Investigations also revealed the syndicate purchased poppy husk at lower rates from outside the state and sold it at inflated prices in Punjab, reaping huge profits.
“This operation is a significant blow to the interstate drug trafficking network in our region. Jalandhar Rural Police is committed to eradicating the drug menace from the district. More arrests are expected as raids continue to apprehend the absconding accused,” said SSP Khakh.
Ongoing investigation
The case has been registered under sections 15-61-85 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Shahkot. Further investigations aim to uncover the network’s backward and forward linkages and apprehend the remaining culprits.
Jail-based operatives identified
In the ongoing probe, the police have nominated additional accused in the case, revealing the use of mobile phones by inmates in Kapurthala and Goindwal jails to operate the smuggling network.
The nominated accused include:
1. Parmatma alias Bhola, son of Jagir Singh, resident of Village Seicha, Kapurthala (Kapurthala Jail).
2. Bhor Singh, resident of Village Dholewal, Moga (Goindwal Jail).
3. Gurdit Singh alias Gitu, son of Gurnam Singh, resident of Village Seicha, Kapurthala (Goindwal Jail).
The investigation is ongoing to uncover the entire network and take appropriate legal action.
Seizures and case details
Seizures:
• 102 kg poppy husk
• 1 modified truck (HP-12-D-8481) with a hidden compartment
Arrests:
1. Harpreet Singh alias Happy, son of Darshan Singh, Kathunangal, Amritsar Rural
2. Varinder Singh alias Raju, son of Malkit Singh, Thatta Nawan, Talwandi Chaudrian, Kapurthala
Absconding accused:
1. Sonu, Daulewala, Kot Ise Khan, Moga
2. Karan, Saichan, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala
Case details:
• FIR No: 15-61-85
• Act: NDPS Act
• Police Station: Shahkot, Jalandhar Rural