In yet another major strike against cross-border narcotics smuggling, the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) today recovered 4.100 kg heroin and arrested two teenage smugglers, barely 48 hours after seizing 50 kg heroin in the region. The fresh recovery, officials said, is linked to the earlier case and indicates the same network’s involvement.

AIG ANTF, Gurinderbir Singh, said that a raid was conducted at village Ladhuwala Hithar in Fazilka district following leads generated from Saturday’s 50-kg heroin seizure. During the operation, the police learnt that local youths—Bovin Kumar alias Bobby, Jashandeep Singh alias Jashan and Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh—were also part of the smuggling chain.

The ANTF team then raided Jashandeep’s residence, where the accused had gathered. In the commotion that followed, Jashan and Arsh, who are real brothers, managed to flee, while Bovin alias Bobby and a juvenile accomplice were apprehended. A search led to the recovery of 4.100 kg heroin, after which both were booked under Section 21 of the NDPS Act at ANTF Police Station SAS Nagar (FIR No. 304).

The AIG revealed that all the accused are teenagers, and the juvenile arrested today is already facing two NDPS cases registered at Jalalabad police station. "A manhunt has been launched to arrest the absconding accused, and officials remain confident of nabbing them soon", said AIG