Massive Drug Bust: 60 Kg Heroin Seized Near Barmer Border Linked to Pak-Based Smuggler

The police recovered 60.302 kg of heroin and arrested nine operatives linked to a Pakistan-based smuggler and a Canada-based handler. The crackdown is part of Punjab's broader war against drugs, "Yudh Nashian Virudh."

Edited By: Shubham Singh

Last Updated : 30 June 2025, 04:21 PM IST

Major Drug Trafficking Network Busted Near Barmer Border (Source: Meta AI)

A large international drug trafficking ring has been taken down in a joint operation by Amritsar Commissionerate Police, the Border Security Force (BSF), and Rajasthan Police. The authorities recovered over 60 kg of heroin near the India-Pakistan border in Barmer, Rajasthan.

Cartel Linked to Pakistan and Canada

According to police officials, the drug network was being managed by two international handlers—Tanveer Shah, operating from Pakistan, and Joban Kaler, based in Canada. In a major crackdown, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that a massive heroin consignment weighing 60.302 kilograms was seized. The drugs were meant to be distributed across various parts of India through a complex supply chain.

Multiple Arrests Across Four States

Hawala operators among 9 key members have been arrested related to this operation. These arrests were made from different regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Punjab Police reiterated their firm stance against drug syndicates and promised to continue efforts to keep narcotics out of the state.

The 120-day "Yudh Nashian De Virudh" (War Against Drugs) campaign, which was started by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also coincided with this significant achievement. Police detained 114 drug smugglers on Sunday alone, confiscated 4.1 kilogrammes of heroin, and recovered ₹9.6 lakh in drug-related revenue. In total, over 19,700 arrests have been made under this campaign so far.

Statewide Police Operations and Prevention Efforts

A special day-long operation was launched under the supervision of DGP Yadav across all 28 police districts in Punjab. Over 180 police teams involving more than 1,100 officers raided 367 locations and filed 77 FIRs. Around 400 suspicious individuals were also checked. In a preventive move, the police also encouraged 54 people to enrol in de-addiction programmes. Meanwhile, inspections were carried out at 332 pharmacies in six districts to monitor the sale of prescription and potentially habit-forming drugs.