Smuggler nabbed in Punjab, 12 kg heroin seized

In joint operations, the BSF and Punjab Police Wednesday arrested an international heroin smuggler and seized 12 kg of the narcotic in Ferozepur sector of Punjab, officials said.

While the heroin consignment was recovered in the border belt, police arrested the smuggler, Harbant Singh, from Patti town in Tarn Taran district, a police spokesman said.

Ferozepur sector is about 300 km from Chandigarh.

The heroin is valued at Rs.60 crore in the international market, the Border Security Force said.

"Information was received that top Pakistan drug lord Kalu Chaudhary alias Kalu Chairman is sending a heroin consignment across the international border in Ferozepur sector for further transiting to the national and international market to recipient smuggler Harbant Singh," the police spokesman said.

The BSF and Punjab Police laid a trap near the Barreke border outpost along the India-Pakistan border in Fezorepur district from where the heroin consignment was expected to be smuggled into India.

A BSF official said movement of Pakistani smugglers was noticed by troopers near the border early Wednesday. The smugglers were challenged which led to a gun battle. The smugglers, however, escaped taking advantage of the terrain and darkness.

The BSF has recovered over 39 kg heroin in the Punjab sector this year. In 2014, it seized over 361 kg heroin, the highest ever in the state.