Punjab Police arrest 11 in narco-hawala operation

The Punjab Police have arrested 11 people and dismantled a drug and money laundering operation known as narco-hawala. This operation has been linked to drug trafficking and money transfers involving illegal activities. The arrests include five smugglers, three money couriers, and three traders. Authorities report the seizure of ₹5.09 crore in cash and multiple foreign currencies. The arrested individuals are mostly from Amritsar and surrounding areas. Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, shared details at a press conference. The total recovery includes ₹1.45 crore, €263,630, $7,000, $10,020 CAD, £27,500, and 285 dirhams. Police also seized 372 grams of gold and four vehicles. The investigation revealed connections to illegal properties worth hundreds of crores. Police are taking measures to freeze these properties under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The arrests stemmed from investigations lasting two months. Some of the arrested individuals were previously apprehended for heroin possession and drug money. A jailed inmate, identified as Harbhaj Singh, was found to be the mastermind behind the operation. Harbhaj had connections with a Pakistani drug smuggler, Shehbaz. The police learned that the money was being laundered through a forex exchange service in Phagwara. Further inquiries led to additional arrests and recoveries. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover more details about the network.