Ferozepur: A Punjab Police Inspector posted with the Counter Intelligence wing has been arrested in Ferozepur on charges of drug smuggling after police allegedly recovered 3.350 kg of heroin, six pistols, four magazines and 17 cartridges from his possession.
The accused has been identified as 56-year-old Baldev Singh. Police also seized his i20 car and six mobile phones. A case has been registered against him under the NDPS Act and Arms Act, and further investigation is underway to trace the source and intended destination of the seized drugs and weapons.
Ferozepur SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said there is a suspicion that the accused may have links to Pakistan. He is currently being interrogated as investigators probe his alleged involvement in the illegal trade.
Police Receive Tip-Off, Intercept Inspector’s Car
According to police, Ghall Khurd police station received confidential information that Inspector Baldev Singh was travelling in his i20 car, bearing registration number PB05AC-6517, with a large quantity of narcotics and illegal weapons.
Acting on the information, police personnel set up a checkpoint at Ferozeshah Toll Plaza on the Ferozepur-Moga road late Friday night.
When the inspector’s vehicle approached the checkpoint, personnel signalled him to stop. Baldev Singh stopped the vehicle and identified himself as a police officer. According to the SHO of Ghall Khurd police station, he allegedly attempted to assert his authority and threatened police personnel when they informed him that the vehicle would be searched.
The police nevertheless proceeded with the search and took the accused into custody after allegedly finding the narcotics and weapons inside the vehicle.
Heroin, Six Pistols and Ammunition Recovered
During the search, police recovered 3.350 kg of heroin, six pistols, four magazines and 17 cartridges. The i20 car and six mobile phones found in the accused’s possession were also seized.
Police subsequently formally arrested Baldev Singh and registered an FIR at Ghall Khurd police station under Section 21 of the NDPS Act and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act.
Investigators are now probing where the drugs and weapons came from, where they were allegedly intended to be taken, and how long the accused may have been involved in the alleged illegal trade.
Mobile Phones Sent for Technical Analysis
SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said the investigation is ongoing and it will be established during the probe whether the seized narcotics had been procured recently or had been in the accused’s possession for some time.
Police are also working to trace the source of the recovered weapons. The six mobile phones seized from Baldev Singh have been sent for technical analysis.
The analysis is expected to help investigators examine the numbers contacted through the phones and other information that could assist in establishing the accused’s alleged network and links.