Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested a drug smuggler in Zira and seized 5.5 kg of heroin along with ₹50,000 in drug proceeds.

SSP Bhupinder Singh said that acting on specific intelligence, a naka was laid near the Sadar area in Zira. The accused, identified as Rachhpal Singh alias PK, a resident of Chakk Dona Rahime Ke in Mamdot, was intercepted while riding a motorcycle without a number plate. A thorough search led to the recovery of heroin and cash from his possession.

The SSP said that a case under sections 21, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Sadar Zira police station (FIR No. 109). “The investigation is now focused on tracing both the backward and forward supply chain of the accused,” he added.

The arrest comes close on the heels of major drug hauls in the district this month. On August 2, police seized 13.21 kg heroin and arrested two smugglers. Earlier, on July 25, Ramesh Kumar was caught near Sodhi Nagar village with 15 kg heroin, and two days later, 5.506 kg more was recovered from his house.