Punjab Police have successfully dismantled a significant drug and hawala racket, arresting five individuals following a brief exchange of gunfire. The operation, conducted by Tarn Taran Police, resulted in the seizure of illegal weapons, narcotics, and a substantial amount of cash.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the operation via X, stating that the accused opened fire on the police, leading to return fire. Two suspects sustained leg injuries and received immediate medical attention.
A key figure in the operation, Iqbal Singh, was apprehended and identified as a major facilitator of hawala transactions linked to drug cartels operating from Dubai. He admitted to channeling approximately Rs 50 crore over the past three months to fund cross-border drug smuggling activities.
The seized items include:
- 7 kg of opium
- Three .30 bore pistols with six magazines
- Rs 23.10 lakh in drug money
- A currency counting machine
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Arms Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
