Drug mafia using minors as ‘Low-Suspicion Couriers’; ANTF held two, including one juvenile, seized heroin
Ferozepur, December 30, 2025: In a breakthrough under the state government’s “War Against Drugs” campaign, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Punjab, arrested two accused, including one juvenile and recovered 505 grams of heroin from the Ferozepur Cantonment area. The operation was conducted under the direction of ANTF Punjab, led by Gurinderbir Singh, AIG, ANTF Ferozepur Range.
Added here, the ANTF Ferozepur Range recorded major success against drug trafficking in 2025, registering 68 cases and arresting 125 smugglers. The task force seized nearly 125 kg of heroin, over 33,780 intoxicant tablets, impounded 37 vehicles, and recovered ₹21.15 lakh in drug money, dealing a significant blow to the region’s narco-network.
The growing involvement of minors in drug trafficking has emerged as a serious social and law-and-order challenge, with drug mafias increasingly exploiting juveniles as “low-suspicion” carriers to evade police action. Poverty, unemployment, family stress and lack of supervision are pushing children into easy money traps, a trend that poses grave danger to society.
Gurinderbir Singh, AIG ANTF, said the ANTF team received specific intelligence about drug peddling activities in the Cantonment area. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the team conducted a raid and apprehended two suspects. During the search, more than half a kilogram of heroin was recovered from their possession.
During interrogation, one of the accused identified himself as Gurpreet Singh, son of Chanan Singh, a resident of the village of Bir Talab, Police Station Sadar, Bathinda. The second accused was found to be a juvenile (below 18 years of age), highlighting the disturbing practice of using minors in the drug trade, as they are less likely to raise suspicion.
Further investigation led to the identification and arrest of Jobanpreet Singh, son of Fuman Singh, a resident of the village of Lakhmirpura, Police Station Mandot, District Ferozepur.
A case has been registered under Sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network. Police officials stated that the case once again exposes how drug syndicates are deliberately roping in minors to shield themselves from law enforcement.
The incident serves as a strong warning that, along with strict police action, parents, schools, society and the administration must work collectively to prevent children from falling prey to the drug mafia and to safeguard the future of the younger generation.