In a major breakthrough, the CIA staff of Amritsar (Rural) Police have arrested two accused in connection with the seizure of a massive cache of 42 kilograms of heroin and four hand grenades, recovered from Dhotian village on Thursday.
The arrested accused have been identified as Sonu, a resident of Bhalla Colony, Chheharta, and Mohit, a resident of the India Gate area of Amritsar. Confirming the arrests, Superintendent of Police (Investigations) Aditya Warrior said Sonu is an auto-rickshaw driver, while Mohit worked as a courier tasked with collecting and delivering consignments of heroin and explosives.
Police investigations revealed that the contraband was being concealed and transported in Sonu’s auto-rickshaw for onward delivery. Officials said the duo had fled the spot after abandoning the consignment in Dhotian village. They were later identified through technical surveillance and arrested by a team led by DSP Neeraj Kumar (Rajasansi).
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they had already delivered six to seven similar consignments in the past. Both have been remanded to three days of police custody for further questioning.
A senior official involved in the probe said the accused revealed that the operation was being controlled by two key handlers — Rehmat and Ritik. Police suspect that Rehmat has links with Pakistan-based drug traffickers, and that heroin, grenades and other explosives were being smuggled into India using drones on his instructions.
Meanwhile, the Special Cell of Amritsar (Rural) Police has detained eight suspects for questioning. Sources said the detained individuals are relatives or close associates of the arrested accused. Family members are also being questioned as police intensify efforts to trace Rehmat and Ritik and recover any additional consignments that may have already been delivered or hidden.
Further investigation is underway, and more arrests are expected as police work to dismantle the entire cross-border smuggling network.
