The Counter-Intelligence unit of the Punjab Police in Amritsar has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat cross-border illegal activities with the arrest of a man allegedly involved in the smuggling of weapons from Pakistan. The accused, identified as Jodhbir Singh, a resident of Naushera in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab, was apprehended following specific intelligence inputs, leading to the recovery of five illegal pistols from his possession. This arrest underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in border states like Punjab in curbing the flow of illicit arms and the potential nexus between local individuals and elements operating from across the international border.
The operation, meticulously planned and executed by the Counter-Intelligence team in Amritsar, was based on credible information suggesting Jodhbir Singh’s involvement in the illegal arms trade. The swift action by the police resulted in the successful apprehension of the accused and the seizure of a cache of firearms, including two PX5 pistols, one .30 bore pistol bearing a “Star” marking, and two 9mm Glock pistols. The recovery of these weapons is a significant step in preventing their potential use in criminal activities within the state.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Punjab Police have reportedly revealed a direct link between Jodhbir Singh and a Pakistan-based drug smuggler. This connection suggests a well-established cross-border network where the illegal arms are supplied into Indian territory, potentially facilitated by individuals involved in other illicit trades like drug trafficking. The involvement of drug smugglers in the supply of weapons is a concerning trend, indicating a broader criminal enterprise that poses a significant threat to peace and security in the region.
Following the arrest and the recovery of the weapons, the Punjab Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar. This specialized unit will now lead further investigations into the case, focusing on identifying and apprehending other individuals who may be part of this illegal network. The police are also committed to tracing the backward and forward linkages of this operation, aiming to dismantle the entire supply chain and bring all those involved to justice.
The Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, took to social media platform X to announce this successful operation. In his post, he emphasized the commitment of the Punjab Police to maintaining peace and harmony across the state. He lauded the efforts of the Counter-Intelligence unit in Amritsar for their proactive action based on specific intelligence, leading to this crucial arrest and the recovery of the illegal firearms.
This recent success is not an isolated incident in Punjab’s fight against cross-border criminal activities. Just days prior to this arrest, the Amritsar Rural Police had also apprehended two operatives of a terror module, recovering weapons and explosives from their possession after a brief encounter. This indicates a heightened level of activity by law enforcement agencies in the region to counter the threats posed by both organized crime and potential terror elements operating across the border.
Furthermore, on April 27, 2025, the Counter-Intelligence wing in Amritsar had also busted another illegal weapon smuggling module with alleged links to Pakistan, arresting one Abhishek Kumar and recovering a significant haul of seven pistols, along with live cartridges and a substantial amount of cash. Investigations in that case had revealed the involvement of an Australia-based individual, Jassa, who was allegedly orchestrating the smuggling of illegal arms and ammunition through the Indo-Pak border in collaboration with Pakistan-based smugglers and local associates like Jodhbir Singh (the individual arrested in the current case) and Abhishek Kumar. These earlier findings highlight a concerning pattern of organized efforts to smuggle weapons into Punjab, potentially for use by criminal elements or even for furthering anti-national activities. The preliminary investigations in the earlier case also suggested the involvement of these individuals in Hawala transactions, indicating a broader network engaged in various forms of criminal activities beyond just অস্ত্র smuggling.
The geographical context of Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts is crucial in understanding these issues. These border districts of Punjab share a long and porous international border with Pakistan, making them vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of various kinds, including drugs and weapons. The proximity to the border often makes it easier for elements operating from across the border to establish contacts and facilitate the movement of illicit goods into Indian territory with the help of local collaborators.
The recovery of Glock pistols in this recent operation is also noteworthy. Glock pistols are known for their reliability and are often favored by organized criminal groups and even some terror outfits due to their advanced features. Their presence in this seizure indicates the sophistication of the smuggling network and the potential for these weapons to be used in high-level criminal activities.
The ongoing efforts by the Punjab Police to dismantle these cross-border networks are crucial for maintaining security and stability in the state. The successful apprehension of Jodhbir Singh and the recovery of the five pistols represent a significant step in this direction. However, the investigations are still in their early stages, and the police are actively working to uncover the full extent of this network, identify all individuals involved, and disrupt their operations completely. The focus on tracing both the backward and forward linkages is essential to dismantle the entire supply chain, from the source of the weapons in Pakistan to their potential end-users within India.
The commitment reiterated by DGP Gaurav Yadav underscores the unwavering resolve of the Punjab Police to combat these threats and ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Punjab. The continuous efforts to gather intelligence, conduct proactive operations, and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice are vital in maintaining law and order in this strategically important border state. The nexus between drug smugglers and অস্ত্র traffickers operating across the international border presents a complex challenge that requires sustained and coordinated efforts from all concerned agencies to effectively counter.