Amritsar police recover over 111 kg heroin, bust Dubai-based drug cartel
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), July 29, 2026: Punjab Police has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, organised crime and gangsters, with the Commissionerate Police, Amritsar, recovering more than 111 kg of heroin, registering 1,137 cases under the NDPS Act and arresting over 2,000 accused since January this year.
The police also dismantled a Dubai-based cross-border drug cartel involved in smuggling heroin into Punjab through drone deliveries across the International Border.
According to Punjab Police, the Commissionerate Police has recovered 111.559 kg of heroin during the ongoing anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashean Virudh. The police also seized 11.438 kg of methamphetamine, 9.246 kg of opium, 2.245 kg of charas, 238 grams of narcotic powder, one kg of poppy husk and 26,945 intoxicating capsules and tablets.
Police recovered ₹61.12 lakh in drug money and seized 38 vehicles allegedly used in drug trafficking. A total of 1,137 NDPS cases were registered and 1,898 accused were arrested under the anti-drug drive.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the various operations launched by Punjab Police across the state had achieved significant success.
“Amritsar, being a border district, requires additional supervision. Punjab Police personnel are performing their duties by effectively using both human intelligence and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the police had recently dismantled a Dubai-based drug network that allegedly smuggled heroin into Punjab through drone deliveries from across the International Border.
In the operation, Amritsar Police recovered 30.045 kg of heroin and arrested six accused, including two juveniles.
Bhullar said the latest crackdown followed last year’s operation against an international drug cartel with alleged links to Pakistan and Canada. That operation led to the recovery of 60.302 kg of heroin near the International Border in Barmer, Rajasthan, and the arrest of nine accused.
Under the anti-gangster campaign Gangstran Te Vaar, the Commissionerate Police registered 63 cases under the Arms Act and arrested 153 accused. Police recovered 209 pistols and mausers, two revolvers, eight rifles and guns, 221 magazines, 536 live cartridges and ₹3.80 lakh allegedly linked to hawala transactions.
The Commissionerate Police has also strengthened its surveillance and investigation capabilities through technology-based policing. The Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) is being used for identity verification, while the VAHAN database enables the instant verification of vehicles during checkpoints and search operations. A Digital Forensic Laboratory has also been established to examine mobile phones, electronic devices and other digital evidence.
Along with enforcement, the police have focused on the rehabilitation of individuals affected by drug addiction. A total of 1,553 people were admitted to de-addiction centres, while 2,443 were referred to Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres. The benefit of Section 64-A of the NDPS Act was extended to 281 individuals.
To strengthen public participation and spread awareness against drug abuse, the Commissionerate Police organised 162 Project Sampark meetings and 83 anti-drug awareness camps and seminars.
Bhullar said the police had adopted a proactive and intelligence-led policing model to ensure round-the-clock public safety. A total of 86 patrol vehicles with 181 police personnel and 21 motorcycles with 25 personnel have been deployed in two shifts for continuous patrolling and rapid response.
The police have also established 19 strategically located night checkpoints at major entry and exit points of the city. The checkpoints are manned by 81 police personnel and are equipped with barricades and weapons under the regular supervision of senior officers.
The sustained enforcement drive also resulted in the issuance of 82,274 traffic challans, the impounding of 5,400 vehicles and 24,002 on-the-spot challans. The police collected ₹44.48 lakh in fines.
As part of preventive policing measures, the Commissionerate Police carried out 1,609 preventive actions and detained 2,950 individuals to maintain public order and deter criminal activity.