Pathankot: Kalanour police in Pathankot have busted a major interstate illegal arms smuggling racket and arrested four accused, recovering seven illegal pistols, including a Glock pistol, and eight magazines from their possession.

According to Punjab Police, the investigation has revealed links of the arrested accused with an international arms smuggling network. A handler based in Dubai was allegedly providing backward support to the network, while another key associate based in the United States was managing the forward linkages.

Glock Pistol, Six .30-Bore Weapons Recovered

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the police recovered a Glock pistol, six .30-bore pistols and eight magazines during the operation.

The accused were allegedly involved in receiving consignments of illegal weapons in India and supplying them to various criminal gangs on the directions of their overseas associates.

Dubai, US-Based Handlers Under Scanner

According to the preliminary investigation shared by DGP Gaurav Yadav, the arrested accused had links with individuals involved in the illegal arms network abroad.

Their backward linkages have been traced to a person based in Dubai, while their forward linkages reportedly include an individual based in the US, who allegedly directed them to receive and distribute illegal arms consignments in India.

Police Probe Funding And Wider Network

An FIR has been registered at Kalanour police station under relevant sections, and a detailed investigation is underway to uncover the entire smuggling network.

Police are probing the funding trail as well as the forward and backward linkages of the accused to identify other individuals involved in the network.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said Punjab Police remains committed to dismantling illegal arms networks operating in the state and ensuring the safety and security of Punjab.