In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police busted an ISI-backed gang in Punjab involved in cross-border arms and drug smuggling. According to The Times of India, the operation, conducted by the Amritsar Rural Police in coordination with central intelligence agencies, led to the seizure of a sophisticated cache of weapons and ammunition, including an AK-Saiga assault rifle, pistols, cartridges, and ₹7.5 lakh in drug money. This crackdown marks a significant blow to Pakistan-based networks trying to infiltrate Indian territory and destabilize Punjab through terror financing and arms distribution.
Crackdown on Trans-Border Smuggling Network
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Punjab Police launched a targeted operation to dismantle a smuggling ring allegedly run by operatives working under the guidance of Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The group was reportedly coordinating the movement of arms and narcotics through cross-border routes, using sophisticated networks to supply weapons to local gangsters and sleeper cells.
The arrested accused – identified as Joban, Gora, Shalu, Sunny, and Jaspreet – were reportedly working under a foreign-based handler named Rana, believed to have strong links with Pakistan’s ISI and gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is currently lodged in prison.
Massive Seizure: What Was Recovered
During the operation, police recovered:
- One AK-Saiga 308 assault rifle with two magazines
- Two Glock 9mm pistols with four magazines
- 90 live rounds of AK ammunition
- 10 cartridges for 9mm pistols
- ₹7.5 lakh in drug proceeds
- A car and multiple mobile phones used for coordination
The weapons were reportedly smuggled from Pakistan using drones and covert land routes, highlighting the evolving tactics of ISI-backed terror modules.
DGP Speaks: Warning Bells for National Security
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that this was not an isolated module but part of a larger ISI-supported conspiracy aimed at reviving gangster-terrorist alliances in Punjab. “Pakistan is constantly trying to push in weapons to revive terror networks in the state. This seizure is a result of our continuous offensive against narco-terror modules,” the DGP said in a statement.
He further emphasized that the arrested gang members were under surveillance and that more arrests and seizures are expected in the coming weeks.
A Pattern of ISI-Driven Provocations
This is not the first time such a smuggling operation has been intercepted. Earlier this year, Punjab Police had foiled two Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-linked terror plots, arresting 13 individuals and seizing a cache that included rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), IEDs, RDX, and grenades. In another operation in Gurdaspur, an arms consignment allegedly linked to BKI operative Harwinder Rinda was seized, which included AK-47 rifles and grenades.
The ISI’s consistent attempts to arm Punjab-based criminals and gangsters is seen as part of a broader strategy to revive Khalistani extremism, disrupt law and order, and finance subversive activities in northern India.
Smuggling Meets Gang Warfare
Investigators believe that the weapons were intended for use by local gangs engaged in extortion, targeted killings, and drug trade. The gang led by Joban and his associates had been previously linked to criminal activities in Majha and Doaba regions.
The ISI’s hand in arming these criminals indicates an alarming convergence of organized crime and cross-border terrorism – a trend that national security agencies are taking very seriously.
A Wake-Up Call and a Message
This successful operation is being viewed as a critical win for law enforcement agencies, who have stepped up surveillance across Punjab’s international border, especially in sensitive districts like Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur.
Security officials have reiterated the importance of community policing, public vigilance, and drone monitoring to prevent future infiltrations. The DGP also called upon citizens to report suspicious activity and assured that Punjab Police is fully committed to breaking the terror-crime nexus.
Photo Source: The Times of India
