In a significant breakthrough against international drug trafficking, Punjab Police recently apprehended Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, an Indian-origin individual with alleged deep ties to a global narcotics syndicate. Singh, who had been on the radar of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), was arrested in Ludhiana, Punjab, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against drug cartels operating across continents.
Background and Alleged Criminal Activities
Shehnaz Singh hails from Mandiala village in the Batala district of Punjab. In recent years, he had established residence in Brampton, Canada, where he reportedly operated under the alias “Shawn Bhinder.” According to law enforcement agencies, Singh had been orchestrating drug trafficking operations under the guise of a transportation business since 2014. His network allegedly facilitated the movement of substantial quantities of narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine, from Colombia to the United States and Canada via Mexico.
The U.S. Department of Justice indicates that Singh’s involvement in these illicit activities dates back to at least October 2023. As the alleged ringleader, Singh is accused of importing cocaine from Colombia into the U.S., distributing it across various states, and extending operations into Canada.
FBI Investigation and Prior Arrests
The FBI’s investigation into Singh’s operations culminated in a significant drug seizure on February 26, 2025. During this operation, six of Singh’s associates were arrested in the United States, and authorities confiscated 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, 109 kilograms of cocaine, four sophisticated firearms, and multiple vehicles. The individuals apprehended include Amritpal Singh (alias Amrit), another individual also named Amritpal Singh (alias Cheema), Taqdeer Singh, Sarabjit Singh (alias Saabi), Fernando Valladares (alias Franco), and Gurlal Singh.
This seizure is considered one of the largest in recent U.S. history, underscoring the extensive reach and operational capacity of the drug trafficking network allegedly led by Singh. The indictment against Singh and his associates highlights their alleged roles in importing cocaine from Colombia into the U.S., distributing it across various states, and smuggling portions into Canada. A subset of the group, led by Taqdeer Singh (alias Romy) and Sarabjit Singh (alias Sabi), reportedly diverted cocaine from their co-conspirators to distribute independently in New York City.
Arrest in Punjab
Following the arrests in the U.S., Shehnaz Singh managed to evade capture and reportedly fled to India. Acting on intelligence inputs and in coordination with international agencies, Punjab Police launched a manhunt that culminated in Singh’s arrest in Ludhiana. The operation was part of Punjab’s intensified crackdown on drug cartels under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Punjab’s Intensified Anti-Drug Campaign
The arrest of Shehnaz Singh aligns with Punjab’s broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse within the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has launched an aggressive campaign to dismantle drug networks and rehabilitate affected individuals. The “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative represents a comprehensive approach to eradicate the drug menace from the state.
In recent months, Punjab Police have conducted extensive operations targeting drug smugglers and peddlers. For instance, a massive crackdown led to the arrest of 290 drug smugglers and the registration of 232 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. These operations targeted identified drug hotspots, with hundreds of raids conducted across various police districts.
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International Cooperation and Legal Proceedings
The arrest of an individual like Shehnaz Singh, wanted by international agencies such as the FBI, underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating global drug trafficking networks. Following his arrest, legal proceedings are expected to involve coordination between Indian authorities and their international counterparts to ensure that justice is served.
Community Impact and Response
The dismantling of such a significant drug trafficking network has far-reaching implications for communities both in India and abroad. In Punjab, the proliferation of drugs has been a persistent issue, affecting countless families and leading to social and economic challenges. The arrest of a high-profile figure like Shehnaz Singh sends a strong message to other individuals involved in similar illicit activities and provides a sense of justice and hope to affected communities.
The apprehension of Shehnaz Singh, alias Shawn Bhinder, marks a significant milestone in the fight against international drug trafficking. It highlights the critical role of international collaboration and the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice. As legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of drug trafficking networks and the continuous need for vigilance and cooperation to combat such global challenges.