**Punjab Police Bust Cross-Border Arms and Narcotics Smuggling Network in Amritsar**

In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling network in Amritsar. The operation led to the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of 1.5 kg of heroin along with 12 pistols on Thursday, news agency PTI reported, citing police officials.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in a post on the social media platform X, stated that preliminary investigations revealed that two of the accused, Joban Singh and Jashanpreet Singh, were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers.

He added, “12 pistols and 1.50 kg of heroin were recovered from their possession. These consignments are intended to fuel inter-gang rivalries in Punjab.”

A case has been registered under the Arms Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Gate Hakima Police Station in Amritsar against the accused. Further investigation is underway to expose the full nexus, including the backward and forward linkages of this network, the DGP said.

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**Jammu and Kashmir Police Attach Property of Alleged Terrorist Handler**

In a separate development, the Handwara Police in Jammu and Kashmir attached the property of an alleged terrorist handler located at Palpora village in Kupwara district on Thursday.

Earlier, the Sopore Police had conducted search operations at the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-linked individuals in Zaloora, Sopore, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the separatist-terror ecosystem and maintain peace and security.

According to police officers, the searches were carried out at the homes of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, son of Abdul Rahim Bhat, and Tanveer Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Jabbar Dar, both residents of Zaloora.

These operations were connected to FIRs registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the searches, incriminating material linked to the proscribed organization was recovered and seized for further investigation, which is currently being probed by the agencies.

*(With inputs from PTI)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/punjab-cross-border-arms-and-narcotics-smuggling-network-busted-five-arrested-23596878