2 drug peddlers held, 1kg heroin recovered

JALANDHAR: In a joint operation, the city police and special task force (STF) arrested two drug peddlers who allegedly have links with Pakistan-based suppliers and seized 1kg heroin worth ₹5 crore.

The accused have been identified as Sohan Singh ,52, of Lohgarh village in Jalandhar and Raj Kumar ,46, of Lakshamipuri in Ludhiana.

Addressing a press conference, police commissioner PK Sinha said acting on a tip-off, both drug peddlers were nabbed during a police checking at Punjab Avenue by sleuths.

The police officials claimed that the accused have links with a Pakistan national Naeem, presently living in England.

The police disclosed that Sohan’s nephews Makhan Singh and Chand Singh of village Gulabe Di Bhaini in Fazilka also own land across the fence.

“Pakistan-based suppliers were handing over the consignment to Makhan and Chand who in turn forwarded it to Sohan, Raj. Both the accused used to supply the drugs across the country at higher rates,” Sinha said. He said, “Accused Sohan’s brother Karnail Singh was arrested in Pakistan on charges of gold smuggling and was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment during which Karnail developed acquaintances with Naeem who helped Sohan Singh in smuggling drugs.”

“Both the accused have confessed that they had a Pakistani SIM card which they gave to Makhan Singh and Chand Singh,” he said. HTC