Chandigarh, May 22 (UNI) In a major crackdown on the narco-hawala nexus, the Ferozepur Police busted a drug smuggling module, with suspected Pakistani links, following the arrest of three persons and recovered 12.07 kg heroin worth Rs 90 crore and Rs 25.12 lakhs in drug and hawala money, said DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

Those arrested have been identified as Karan Kumar alias Ghanni (22), Rohit Bhatti (24), and Aakashdeep alias Aakash (24), all residents of Bukkan Khan Wala in Ferozepur.

Accused Karan Kumar and Akashdeep have criminal records with cases under NDPS act and Arms Act registered against them.

DGP Yadav said that an FIR is registered at Police Station Ghall Khurd. Further investigation is underway to trace the forward and backward linkages, he added.

DIG Ferozepur Range Harmanbir Singh Gill said that following rigorous surveillance and intelligence-

led operation, Police teams arrested the three accused persons from near Jodhia Nehra Pull and recovered 2.07 kg heroin and Rs 25.12 lakhs drug money from their car.

He said that following the revelations of accused Karan, Police teams recovered another chunk of 10 kg heroin concealed behind the toilet seat at his rented accommodation located at Rikhi Colony in Ferozepur.

SSP Ferozepur Bhupinder Singh said that preliminary investigations suggest their involvement in cross-border narcotics trafficking, with suspected links to Pakistan-based operatives using drones for deliveries.

“The seized consignment was intended for distribution across Punjab. Further investigations are underway to uncover the whole network,” he added.

UNI GS RN