Punjab: Army Deserter Arrested, 12.5 Kg Heroin Seized in Major Drug Bust

In a significant blow to trans-border narcotic networks, the Counter Intelligence Jalandhar has arrested Amritpal Singh, alias Fauji, an army deserter and key figure in a Pakistan-linked heroin smuggling operation. The arrest led to the seizure of 12.5 kg of heroin, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav.

Amritpal Singh, a resident of Kasel village in Tarn Taran, had been on the run since August 2024. His accomplice, Sartaj, was previously apprehended at the Jammu Bus Stand with 33 kg of heroin.

DGP Yadav revealed that the smuggling cartel has international ties, led by the notorious fugitive Amrit Pal Singh Baath from Mianpur, Tarn Taran, who is currently operating from Dubai. Baath, a notorious gangster and smuggler, has 15-20 cases registered against him in Punjab, including two murder cases.

Based on reliable intelligence, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar set up a checkpoint at the canal bridge near Kangniwal village in Jalandhar. There, they apprehended Amritpal Singh and recovered 200 grams of heroin. Further investigation led to the recovery of 12.4 kg of heroin from a location on the link road between Tarn Taran and Jodhpur, as indicated by the accused. Additionally, a motorcycle used by Singh was impounded.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Counter Intelligence Jalandhar, Navjot Singh Mahal, reported that Singh disclosed during interrogation that he and his associate had received a 50 kg heroin consignment from the Akhnoor sector last month. The 33 kg of heroin found with Sartaj was part of this consignment. Following Sartaj’s arrest, Singh had concealed the remaining heroin at an abandoned site.

A case (FIR No. 57 dated September 13) has been filed under sections 21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover additional links in the narcotics network.