Tarn Taran Police Bust Major Drug and Hawala Gang, Recover Illegal Arms, Narcotics and Cash

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant move to disrupt the financial network of drug cartels, Tarn Taran Police have successfully dismantled a drug and hawala operation, arresting five individuals and recovering illegal arms, narcotics and a substantial amount of cash. The operation escalated when the accused opened fire on the police, prompting an immediate retaliatory action. In the exchange two suspects sustained leg injuries and were promptly given medical treatment.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the main accused, Iqbal Singh, who is linked to hawala transactions tied to a Dubai-based drug cartel. Singh confessed to smuggling drugs across the border and revealed that he had facilitated transactions worth Rs 50 crore over the past three months.

An FIR has been filed under the NDPS Act, Arms Act and BNS and authorities have seized the following during the operation:

- 7 kg of opium

- 3 pistols (30 bore) with 6 magazines

- Rs 23.10 lakh in drug money

- Currency counting machine and other related items.

The Punjab Police continue to intensify their efforts to eliminate the drug trade and organized crime reinforcing their commitment to tackling these illegal networks.