NEW DELHI, Aug 23: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has uncovered an alleged terror-funding and drugs for weapons network connected to designated pro-Khalistan terrorist Arsh Dalla, with investigators tracing a suspected chain from narcotics smuggling to weapons movement in Punjab.
Four people have been arrested and 5.138 kg of opium seized during the investigation, police said on Sunday. The probe, which began with the interception of a courier parcel in Delhi, has expanded across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and revealed alleged links with overseas handlers.
According to Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) HGS Dhaliwal, investigators intercepted a parcel at a courier facility in Moti Nagar on February 7 after receiving information that narcotics had been concealed inside a shipment bound for Canada.
The package was declared to contain food and household items. A search, however, revealed a specially constructed false bottom containing nearly 3 kg of opium, police said.
Probe uncovers wider trafficking chain
Rather than treating the seizure as an isolated narcotics case, investigators traced the courier network, examined digital devices, analysed financial transactions and reviewed technical evidence.
The investigation led to raids in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and the interception of two additional consignments. One parcel headed for Canada contained 921 grams of opium, while another yielded 1.19 kg. Police also recovered 23 grams from one of the accused.
The total quantity seized was estimated to be worth around Rs 3.5 crore in Canada, according to the Crime Branch.
Police said the operation involved separate individuals handling procurement, concealment, transportation, packaging and international dispatch.
The arrested suspects were identified as Hardeep Singh, 28, from Barnala; Simranjeet Singh, 24, from Bathinda; Yadvinder Singh alias Jashan Sandhu, 30, from Sirsa; and Jivan Singh, 23, from Balotra in Rajasthan.
Accused allegedly handled different roles
Investigators alleged that Hardeep Singh coordinated the India based module, arranging procurement through GPS-based dead drops, concealing narcotics and coordinating their dispatch to foreign recipients.
Yadvinder Singh allegedly acted as an intermediary between the India-based operatives and overseas handlers, while Simranjeet Singh was allegedly responsible for booking shipments and arranging unauthorised or forged KYC documents.
Jivan Singh allegedly facilitated the Rajasthan leg of the operation and helped procure and dispatch narcotics. Police said information provided during his interrogation helped investigators trace another shipment sent to Canada from Bathinda.
Drugs allegedly exchanged for weapons
The investigation took a more serious turn after forensic examination of mobile phones, encrypted communications, banking records and technical data allegedly revealed connections to foreign based handlers and individuals associated with Dalla’s network.
Police allege that the narcotics were sent abroad to generate funds for the terrorist-linked network. Investigators further suspect that proceeds from the drug trade were used to support the group’s activities and make payments to overseas handlers.
According to the Crime Branch, the arrangement allegedly operated as a drugs for weapons exchange, with weapons subsequently moved into Punjab through cross-border drone drops for associates of the network.
Police said the investigation indicated that narcotics trafficking was allegedly part of a broader financial and logistical cycle rather than simply a standalone criminal enterprise.
Sophisticated concealment methods used
Investigators said the syndicate allegedly used false compartments inside cartons containing food products and household material to hide narcotics. In some cases, contraband was reportedly concealed inside clothing.
The suspects allegedly used fictitious consignor details and forged KYC documents to conceal their identities while booking shipments through courier companies.
Encrypted communication platforms, proxy bank accounts and UPI channels were also allegedly used to communicate with associates and move money, police said.
Investigators are now working to establish the complete financial trail and identify additional members involved in the suspected operation.
Dalla’s alleged role under investigation
Police said the investigation has also established the alleged involvement of Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, a native of Punjab’s Moga district who moved to Canada in 2018.
Dalla was designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in January 2023 and has been described by Indian authorities as a senior figure associated with the proscribed Khalistan Tiger Force.
Canadian authorities arrested him in Ontario in November 2024, following which India has pursued his extradition.
The Delhi Police said the roles of Dalla, his overseas handlers and other suspected conspirators are being examined. Investigators are also working to trace further financial transactions, locate additional operatives and dismantle the alleged narcotics and arms network.