DRUG NETWORKS OPERATED FROM NABHA, GURDASPUR JAILS UNEARTHED; 6.465 KG HEROIN, TWO PISTOLS RECOVERED

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

 A probe into two separate drug cases has exposed suspected links between active drug networks and inmates lodged in Nabha and Gurdaspur Central Jails, with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) recovering 6.465 kg heroin, two sophisticated pistols and Rs. 1.35 lakh in drug money besides arresting four persons.

AIG ANTF Gurinderbir Singh said that in the first operation, Ajay Chumbar and Sharandeep Singh alias Sunny, both residents of Kapurthala district, were arrested near the grain market in Sande Hasham village while travelling in a Toyota Etios. The ANTF recovered 5.530 kg heroin from their possession.

Preliminary investigation revealed the involvement of Prince, a resident of Pandva village in Kapurthala, and Ajit Singh alias Happy of Habib Wala village in Ferozepur. Both are lodged in Nabha Central Jail and allegedly operating their criminal activities from inside the jail. Prince faces nine FIRs, while two FIRs have been registered against Ajit.

In the second operation, acting on inputs from a central agency, the ANTF arrested Rohit, a city resident, and Gurpreet Singh of Jaid village in Kapurthala after a chase across Ludhiana. Two sophisticated pistols, 935 grams heroin and Rs. 1.35 lakh drug money were recovered from them, besides impounding their Thar Roxx jeep.

The AIG said the duo were also in contact with Ravinder Singh alias Ravi alias Sukh, a close associate of gangster Ashish Chopra, and Akhil Sabharwal alias Prince, both of whom are currently lodged in Gurdaspur Central Jail.

All four jail inmates will be brought on production warrants to join the investigation. The AIG said mobile phones had also been recovered with the assistance of jail authorities and further revelations were expected.