Haryana ATS Uncovers International Narco-Terror Network; Seven Arrested

September 22, 2026

Chandigarh: The Haryana Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has uncovered an international narco-terrorism network with the arrest of seven accused in connection with a firing incident in Panchkula, officials said on Tuesday.

The ATS recovered one US-made pistol, one 30-bore pistol, three cash-counting machines, five mobile phones, 12 rounds of ammunition and 529 grams of ‘chitta’ (synthetic drug) from the accused.

Haryana ATS Superintendent of Police Varun Singla said this is the first case successfully solved by the newly involved ATS team.

Panchkula Club Firing Led To Wider Investigation

The case came to light after a firing incident at Alif Laila Club in Panchkula during the early hours of September 13. Police reached the spot, began an investigation and collected evidence from the crime scene.

A young woman was injured in the firing and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment.

According to the investigation, five youths had arrived at the club in two vehicles. While consuming liquor, they got into an argument over an issue, following which one of the accused allegedly took a pistol from a vehicle and fired two rounds, injuring the woman.

Seven accused have so far been arrested. Three were apprehended from the spot, one was arrested from Mohali in Punjab and three were arrested from Ludhiana. A cash-counting machine was also recovered during the initial arrests.

ATS Finds Alleged Links To International Narco-Terror Network

During interrogation and technical investigation, police found what officials described as evidence linking the accused to an international narco-terror network.

The investigation allegedly revealed that handlers based abroad, particularly in the US, provided accommodation, vehicles and money to the accused. The resources were allegedly used to transport weapons, narcotics and drug money to locations specified by the handlers.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the investigation was transferred to the Haryana ATS.

One of the accused allegedly involved in the firing was arrested on September 15. The investigation also provided leads regarding the network involved in supplying weapons.

An accused allegedly acting as an intermediary in the network was arrested from Ludhiana on September 19. During police remand, 529 grams of ‘chitta’ was seized, following which the ATS registered a separate case concerning the recovery of the narcotic substance.

ATS Probes Supply Chain, Financial Trail

Acting on information provided by the accused, police conducted raids in Ludhiana and recovered a vehicle, another cash-counting machine and other evidence.

The mobile phones of all seven accused have also been taken into police possession, with technical analysis underway.

SP Varun Singla said the investigation indicates that the accused were allegedly working for an international narco-terror network. According to the ATS, the network used local handlers to deliver consignments of narcotics, weapons and other objectionable material allegedly received across the border through drones and transported them to designated locations.

Vehicles and funds were allegedly provided to people associated with the network for carrying out these activities.

The ATS is now conducting an in-depth investigation into the entire supply chain, financial trail, sources of weapons and narcotics, and contacts with handlers based abroad.