Jalandhar: International drug cartel busted, 3 arrested with 5 kg opium

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 3

The Commissionerate of Police here has busted an international drug trafficking syndicate involved in the illicit trade of narcotics across four countries using courier services. The operation led to the arrest of three persons Aman, Sunny and Shejal and the seizure of 5 kg of opium.

Addressing the media, Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma said they had got information that multiple players were involved in this racket for the last three years and had sent nearly two quintals of opium abroad.

Modus operandi

• Investigations revealed that opium was being sourced from Jharkhand and routed through courier operators in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar
• Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma said the drug syndicate operated globally with shipments destined for countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia and the US

He said Manish, alias Mani Thakur, of Jalandhar was the kingpin of this cartel and was based in the UK. Investigations revealed that opium was being sourced from Jharkhand and routed through courier operators in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar before sending abroad.

Aman, operating two mobile showrooms in Hoshiarpur, emerged as a key figure responsible for receiving opium shipments from Jharkhand. He owns a lavish house in one of the posh colony in Hoshiarpur. Similarly, Sunny, a resident of Jalandhar and owner of a courier service, used to package it for distribution. Shejal, hailing from Tanda, Hoshiarpur, who is also operating a courier service, facilitated the logistics by providing recipient details.

Sharma said the seizure of 5 kg of opium underscores the magnitude of the syndicate’s operations, with shipments destined for countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States through an international courier service. He disclosed that eight persons involved directly in it had been identified.

“The investigation, which has identified approximately 300 recipient addresses, is now delving into the direct involvement of an international courier service. Besides, we are also scrutinising the roles of Customs officials in Delhi and India Post in facilitating the illicit trade,” the CP added.

The CP said the identified and arrested criminals were doing white collar jobs and have amassed huge properties and wealth.

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