Punjab Police Bust Cross-Border Smuggling Module, Seize Heroin

In a significant anti-narcotics operation, Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) has dismantled a cross-border drug smuggling module. The module was allegedly led by a foreign-based gangster known as “Happy Jatt” (real name Harpreet Singh), wanted in multiple cases. The bust occurred after intelligence pointed to drone-based delivery of contraband. During the operation, authorities arrested a key operative, Sajan Singh, from Beharwal village in Amritsar. Singh was apprehended with 25.9 kilograms of heroin and a 9mm Glock pistol — both with serious implications for security and public health. Investigators say that Happy Jatt, from abroad, has been coordinating smuggling with Pakistan-based traffickers. Communication was found to have taken place via social media. The smuggling routes reportedly involved drone drops into areas near the India-Pakistan border. Officials believe this method is growing increasingly common due to its ability to bypass ground patrols and checkpoints. The seized consignment is believed to be just one of several planned shipments under Happy Jatt’s network. Law enforcement agencies are now working to identify and apprehend other associates. With this arrest, the ANTF and BSF have disrupted operations which, according to them, were supplying significant quantities of narcotics into Punjab. The authorities have registered charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and under arms law, given the seized weapon. Officials further stated that this crackdown is part of a broader strategy to strengthen surveillance, enhance cross-border cooperation, and leverage technology to track drone activity. They called upon the public to assist by reporting suspicious airborne objects or unusual activities near border villages. “This is a warning to traffickers: we will catch you,” said one senior officer. The operation has drawn attention in the media and among policymakers about the rising use of unmanned aerial vehicles in smuggling. The Punjab government has pledged further resources for drone detection systems at known hotspots and for increased patrolling along the border