12-06-2023 : In a significant development, three alleged drug smugglers from Punjab were apprehended by the police in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir after they opened fire on two local youths. The incident took place near the International Border on Monday. The accused have been identified as Jagdeep Singh (21) and Satinderpal Singh from Tarn Taran, and Sunny Kumar (22) from Amritsar. Following their arrest, a substantial amount of heroin weighing 2.8 kilograms and valued at several crores of rupees was seized based on the information provided by the accused.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Benam Tosh, the arrest took place after a scuffle ensued between the two groups, resulting in gunfire between the alleged smugglers and the local youths. The incident occurred during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday near Rangnoor bus stand, leaving two local youths and one of the smugglers injured.
SSP Tosh emphasized that the arrest of these three individuals involved in heroin smuggling is a significant accomplishment for the police. However, he clarified that no connection to terrorism has been established thus far. The motive behind their presence near the border area is under investigation, as it remains unclear whether they were there to collect or deliver a consignment.
Providing further details, SSP Tosh explained that the smugglers from Punjab got into a heated argument with a group of eight local youths when they reached the border village of Rangoor Camp. The dispute arose when the locals refused to let the smugglers’ car pass through. The situation escalated, leading Satinderpal to open fire with a pistol, resulting in injuries to two youths named Sunil Kumar (21) and Sunil Kumar (23), as well as to his associate Sunny Kumar. The smugglers abandoned their vehicle and attempted to flee on a motorcycle belonging to one of the locals. However, they were intercepted by the police at a nearby checkpoint and subsequently apprehended.
The injured victims received initial medical treatment at a local facility and were later transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu for specialized care, informed the SSP. The arrested smugglers assisted the police in locating a site close to the crime scene where 2.8 kilograms of heroin, valued at several crores of rupees in the international market, was recovered. Additionally, a pistol with a magazine and ammunition, cash amounting to Rs 93,200, and four expensive mobile phones were seized during the operation.
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, confirmed SSP Tosh. This incident highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug smuggling and maintain security in the region.