Amritsar: Faridkot Police have successfully arrested Gulab Singh, a key figure in a 77-kg heroin smuggling case, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Punjab, according to a senior police official.
As part of Punjab's campaign to become a drug-free state, directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Faridkot Police made a major advancement in their fight against cross-border narcotics smuggling. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, announced on Saturday that Gulab Singh, a major drug smuggler and the primary suspect in the heroin recovery case, has been apprehended.
This arrest follows an earlier operation by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Fazilka, which had, about a year ago, dismantled two separate cross-border drug smuggling rings. This operation led to the arrest of four traffickers and the seizure of 77.8 kilograms of heroin (split between 41.8 kg and 36 kg) along with three pistols. The heroin consignment had been transported via a riverine route, and two separate cases were registered. Gulab Singh had been wanted by Punjab Police in both cases.
DGP Yadav highlighted Gulab Singh's critical role in the delivery of 36 kilograms of heroin and his connections with Pakistan-based smugglers. "His arrest is expected to severely disrupt the entire smuggling network and prevent further trafficking activities," said Yadav, emphasizing the importance of this capture.
The DGP also noted that Gulab Singh's arrest was the result of a meticulous and professional investigation, which included a sustained follow-up of backward linkages. Financial investigations are currently underway to trace the money trail and freeze any assets acquired through illicit drug profits.
During a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Faridkot, Dr. Pragya Jain, detailed the operation that led to Gulab Singh's arrest. She explained that a joint operation was conducted by teams from the CIA Faridkot, Special Branch, SHO Sadiq, and the Technical Cell, under the supervision of SP Investigation Jasmeet Singh. The teams managed to apprehend Gulab Singh at the Bus Stand in village Rupyianwali, where he had been evading capture for the past year.
SSP Jain added that Gulab Singh had arranged for divers to retrieve the heroin consignment and weapons and had maintained contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through various apps. Describing him as a seasoned criminal, she noted that Gulab Singh has been involved in several criminal cases in Faridkot and other districts of Punjab.
This arrest is seen as a significant step forward in Punjab's ongoing efforts to dismantle drug smuggling networks and prevent further narcotics-related crimes in the region.
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