The Aryavarth Expresss Chandigarh (Punjab): The Punjab government has announced the setting up of a dedicated State Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Police Station in Rajpura, located in Patiala district. The specialised unit will have jurisdiction across the state and aims to intensify action against gangster networks operating in Punjab.
The move comes amid an ongoing statewide crackdown on organised crime and narcotics trafficking.
Amritsar Police Bust Cross-Border Narco Network
Earlier, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police dismantled a cross-border narco-smuggling network and arrested two operatives, recovering 7.63 kg of heroin and Rs 21,800 in alleged drug money.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X that preliminary investigations revealed the accused were in contact with a Dubai-based handler through virtual numbers. The handler allegedly coordinated heroin consignments, directed pickup locations, and managed further supply chains.
According to the DGP, the handler is also linked to multiple narcotics operations, including a major NDPS case involving the recovery of 43 kg of heroin. An FIR has been registered at Chheharta Police Station in Amritsar under the NDPS Act, and further investigations are underway to trace both forward and backward linkages in the network.
‘Operation Prahaar-2’ Nets Over 1,200 Arrests
Meanwhile, Punjab Police arrested more than 1,200 individuals on the first day of ‘Operation Prahaar-2’, a 72-hour statewide crackdown conducted under the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign aimed at eliminating gangster activity in the state.
Police teams carried out 2,760 raids at locations linked to wanted criminals. The operation was launched by DGP Gaurav Yadav under the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with senior officers from the Police Headquarters supervising the drive across districts.
Inter-State Drug Network Busted
In a separate development, Shimla Police uncovered an inter-state drug trafficking network and arrested its alleged kingpin, Vijay alias David alias Bihari, from Zirakpur in Punjab. The accused is reportedly linked to multiple NDPS cases registered in Shimla district.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing in all cases as part of intensified efforts to curb organised crime and drug trafficking in the region.
