JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Jammu Police has launched a significant operation in Amritsar, Punjab, striking a blow to the network of notorious drug smuggler Gulzar Ahmed, alias Lau Gujjar. In this joint operation, two suspects were arrested, from whose possession sophisticated weapons, a large quantity of heroin, and cash worth lakhs of rupees were recovered. Following this operation, security agencies hope to uncover the links of a larger network spanning Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
According to police sources, one of the arrested suspects is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, while the other is from Punjab. During the search, an AK-47 rifle, 29 live cartridges, three pistols, approximately two kilograms of heroin, and Rs 1.1 million in cash were recovered. Punjab Police also assisted Jammu Police in this operation.
It is worth noting that some time ago, Mira Sahib Police recovered a foreign-made pistol from Lau Gujjar. Since his arrest, the police have been conducting a thorough investigation into his activities and connections. During the investigation, several clues emerged that strengthened suspicions of his possible links to Pakistan-based elements and the intelligence agency ISI.
Given the sensitivity of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Headquarters, Anna Sinha. This team is now conducting a thorough investigation into other individuals involved in the network, financial transactions, arms supply chains, and cross-border connections.
According to security agencies, preliminary investigations have indicated that an organized network of drug trafficking and arms supply was also active. Investigators are trying to determine where the recovered weapons were sourced and their ultimate purpose.
Sources say that Lau Gujjar’s network stretched from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab. The investigation is also looking into aspects such as money laundering through hawala channels and the delivery of weapons and narcotics consignments via drones from across the border. It is believed that many more important names and shocking revelations may emerge during the interrogation of the arrested accused.
Jammu Police has previously taken action against several constructions linked to Lau Gujjar and his family in Waziru Chak. The arrest of his wife was also part of the investigation. Now, the latest action in Amritsar has provided security agencies with another important clue to reach the roots of the network.
Police officials believe that more arrests are possible in this case in the coming days, and that many prominent names involved in the smuggling and arms supply networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab may come under investigation.
