Punjab's Crackdown: High-Profile Arrests and Anti-Smuggling Triumphs

Punjab police, in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, have detained top smuggler Avtar Singh in a significant move against narcotics-related activities. Concurrent operations in Fazilka and Kapurthala resulted in dismantling illegal arms networks and thwarting escape attempts, showcasing strengthened law enforcement in Punjab.

In a decisive operation, the Punjab Police Anti-Narcotics Task Force, in collaboration with Gurdaspur police, has made a significant detention. Under the PITS-NDPS Act, Avtar Singh alias Tari, a notorious smuggler from Punjab's Gurdaspur district, has been detained for two years and transferred to Central Jail Bathinda, according to police officials.

This marks Punjab's foremost application of the stringent provisions of the PITS-NDPS Act, aimed at preventive detention in narcotics cases. DGP Punjab described this as a substantial step in the state's ongoing effort to combat drug smuggling and promote a drug-free Punjab. Future investigations continue as more updates are awaited.

In a separate string of operations, Fazilka police unveiled a network dealing in illegal arms, arresting key accused Manpreet Singh among others. The arrests included four individuals and recovery of three country-made pistols. Simultaneously, Kapurthala police thwarted an escape attempt by Jashnpreet Singh, an undertrial under the UAPA, exemplifying Punjab Police's proactive stance against organized crime.

(With inputs from agencies.)