Abohar, Punjab — In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Abohar police have successfully busted a major drug smuggling gang operating across Punjab. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the recovery of over 42,000 narcotic pills, marking another major victory in the state’s ongoing battle against substance abuse.
Operation Details
The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation near the new grain market in Abohar. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Fazilka Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurmeet Singh and led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhwinder Singh Brar.
“We received credible information about a gang engaged in supplying narcotic pills across the region,” said SSP Gurmeet Singh. “Acting swiftly on this intelligence, our team caught the accused red-handed during a coordinated operation.”
The Arrests
Police have identified the eight arrested accused as:
- Sukhwinder Singh (alias Goldy)
- Raman Singh (alias Ravi)
- Anmol Singh
- Akash
- Rahul
- Harpreet Singh
- Sarvesh
- Anjul
Additionally, interrogation of one more youth is ongoing. According to police records, at least two of the arrested individuals have been previously implicated in criminal cases, suggesting this gang was not new to law enforcement’s radar.
Seizure Details
The operation led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of controlled substances:
- 42,000 Pregabalin capsules and Tramadol tablets
Both drugs are prescription medications that carry significant abuse potential. Pregabalin, commonly known as Lyrica, is used to treat nerve pain and anxiety disorders but is frequently diverted for recreational use. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, is a Schedule IV controlled substance prone to misuse and addiction.
Modus Operandi
Preliminary investigation has revealed the gang’s operational strategy. The accused had been importing banned drugs and systematically distributing them across multiple locations using motorcycles. This method allowed them to remain mobile and evade detection more easily than fixed distribution points.
“The use of two-wheelers enabled them to move quickly and operate across different areas with minimal risk of detection,” SSP Singh explained.
Investigation Ahead
The police have taken the accused into custody for further interrogation. The SSP indicated that the investigation will focus on unravelling the entire supply chain and distribution network.
“We will use police remand to extract crucial information about where these medicines were sourced from, which suppliers are involved, and to which areas and individuals they were being supplied,” Singh stated. “Our goal is to completely dismantle this network and arrest anyone else involved in this operation.”
Broader Context
This operation underscores Punjab’s persistent struggle with drug trafficking. The state has witnessed a sharp increase in the availability of prescription drug abuse over recent years, with controlled substances like Pregabalin and Tramadol becoming increasingly common in illegal drug markets. Police departments across Punjab have intensified efforts to intercept these shipments and dismantle trafficking networks.
The successful bust in Abohar is expected to disrupt the supply chain in the region and serve as a warning to other smuggling operations. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking to local police.
The investigation is ongoing. More arrests are expected as police continue to trace the supply chain and identify other members of the smuggling network.
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