Punjab Police Bust Cross-Border Weapon Smuggling Module Linked to Pakistan

October 11, 2025

Chandigarh: In an intelligence-driven operation, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling network linked to Pakistan, arresting three operatives and recovering eight sophisticated pistols, said Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Saturday.

Arrests and Weapon Recovery

The arrested suspects have been identified as Mahesh Singh and Angrej Singh from Marhi Megha village, Tarn Taran, and Arshdeep Singh from Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran.

Authorities recovered three 9mm pistols and five .30 bore pistols, along with magazines. A motorcycle used to transport the contraband was also seized.

Pakistan Connection and Drone Smuggling

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were operating under the guidance of a Pakistan-based arms smuggler, who allegedly used drones to drop illegal consignments across the border.

The weapons were reportedly being supplied to criminals and gangsters in Punjab, with the intention of fueling criminal activities in the state.

Operation Details

CI Amritsar had received specific intelligence about a large arms consignment being delivered via drones near Marhi Kamboke village, Tarn Taran. Acting on this tip-off, police intercepted the suspects near Bhoose village, Amritsar Rural, and recovered the weapons before they could be passed to the next party in the network.

Previous Cases and Ongoing Investigation

Mahesh and Angrej Singh were already wanted in prior Arms Act cases in Amritsar, in which five pistols had previously been recovered.

DGP Yadav added that further investigations are underway to map the full network, identify other operatives, and dismantle the entire smuggling module.