Punjab: Nearly 20 kg heroin recovered as four arrested in major anti-smuggling operation

In a major breakthrough against trans-border drug trafficking , the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) , in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) , recovered nearly 20 kg of heroin and apprehended four accused , including a key operative linked to Pakistan-based handlers , Punjab Police said on Tuesday.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed that the key operative was managing the supply chain, coordinating the delivery and distribution of drug consignments across Punjab and other regions, while maintaining links with cross-border syndicates operating from Pakistan. Punjab lies close to the ‘Golden Crescent’ a major global drug-producing hub comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran making it particularly vulnerable to cross-border narcotics trafficking.

“ An FIR has been registered under the NDPS Act, and the investigation is underway to identify cross-border handlers, trace supply routes, and dismantle the entire network ,” the DGP said in a post on X, adding that further arrests are likely.

Officials said the seizure highlights Punjab’s continued vulnerability to drug smuggling due to its long and porous 532-km international border with Pakistan, the third-longest international border shared by India , which includes riverine stretches, agricultural fields, and sparsely populated areas that are difficult to monitor. Punjab’s proximity to the Golden Crescent, one of the world’s largest heroin-producing regions, has made it a preferred entry point for narcotics into India.

The drug problem in Punjab has escalated over the years, driven by easy availability of narcotics, unemployment, and social distress in border districts. Traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities to recruit local youths as couriers and facilitators , increasing the reach of organized crime. The widespread use of drugs has led to public health crises, addiction, family breakdowns, rising crime, and economic losses in affected areas.

Authorities said traffickers are increasingly using well-developed road and rail networks, encrypted communication, drones, and local operatives to move consignments while evading detection. Pakistan-based syndicates play a critical role in supplying heroin and coordinating smuggling networks across the border.

In response, officials emphasised the need for a multi-layered government strategy , including enhanced border surveillance by CAPF personnel and BSF guards along the Indo-Pak border using thermal imagers, anti-drone systems, ground sensors, fencing, floodlighting, and patrol roads; intelligence-led operations to trace financial trails, digital communications, and dismantle entire supply chains, including kingpins; stronger inter-agency coordination among the BSF, ANTF, and intelligence agencies; community engagement and awareness programmes to promote vigilance and reporting in border districts; and fast-track legal proceedings under the NDPS Act, along with rehabilitation and de-addiction programmes, to reduce both supply and demand.

Officials said the operation demonstrates the government’s commitment to combat narco-terrorism and trans-border smuggling , which threaten national security, public health, and socio-economic stability .