Mohali: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal arms smuggling, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Punjab Police seized a large quantity of heroin and illegal weapons during a raid conducted in Mohali. However, the accused managed to flee before the police team reached the location.The accused has been identified as Ishanpreet Singh, a resident of Cheharta in Amritsar district. A case has been registered against him at the ANTF Police Station, Mohali, under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act.The case was registered on the statement of SI Raj Kumar.According to police sources, the ANTF had received specific intelligence inputs indicating that a substantial quantity of heroin had been concealed at the accused’s residence. Acting swiftly on the information, an ANTF team conducted a raid at the suspected hideout.However, the accused allegedly got prior information about the police action and escaped before the raiding team arrived at the spot.During the search operation, police recovered 930 grams of heroin, 12 illegal pistols and 20 magazines from the premises. The recovered contraband and weapons have been seized and taken into police custody.Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused is allegedly connected to a wider network involved in drug smuggling and illegal arms trafficking.Police officials said the seized heroin is estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees in the international market. The recovery of such a large number of illegal firearms and magazines has also raised serious security concerns among investigating agencies.Officials are now working to trace the source of the weapons and identify the purpose for which they were allegedly intended to be used. Investigators are also probing whether the arms were meant to be supplied to criminal elements or used in organised criminal activities.ANTF teams have launched continuous raids at multiple locations to trace and arrest the absconding accused. Police are also verifying his known associates, possible hideouts and contacts linked to the illegal network.Investigating agencies are examining the accused’s mobile phone records and criminal connections in an effort to uncover the entire drug and arms syndicate operating behind the case.Punjab Police officials stated that the ongoing campaign against narcotics trafficking and illegal weapons smuggling will continue with full intensity and that more arrests linked to the case are likely in the coming days.
