**Punjab Police Busts Cross-Border Arms and Narcotics Smuggling Network in Amritsar**

In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling network in Amritsar. The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of 1.5 kg of heroin along with 12 pistols, authorities said on Thursday.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in a post on the social media platform X, revealed that preliminary investigations showed two of the accused, Joban Singh and Jashanpreet Singh, were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers.

He stated, “Twelve pistols and 1.5 kilograms of heroin were recovered from their possession. The smuggled consignments were intended to fuel inter-gang rivalries in Punjab.”

A case has been registered against the accused under the Arms Act and the Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substances Act at Gate Hakima Police Station in Amritsar. Further investigations are ongoing to expose the full nexus, including the backward and forward linkages of this criminal network, the DGP added.

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**Jammu and Kashmir Police Attach Property of Alleged Terrorist Handler**

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Handwara Police have attached the property of an alleged terrorist handler located at Palpora village in Kupwara district.

Earlier, the Sopore Police conducted search operations at the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-linked individuals in Zaloora, Sopore. These efforts form part of ongoing measures to dismantle the separatist-terror ecosystem and maintain peace and security in the region.

According to police officials, searches were carried out at the homes of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, son of Abdul Rahim Bhat, and Tanveer Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Jabbar Dar. Both individuals are residents of Zaloora.

The operations related to FIRs registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the searches, incriminating materials linked to the proscribed organisation were recovered and seized to aid further investigations, which are being probed by the relevant agencies.

*(With inputs from PTI)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/punjab-cross-border-arms-and-narcotics-smuggling-network-busted-five-arrested-23596878