ANTF Busts Narco-Hawala Network in Ferozepur as Punjab intensifies its fight against cross-border drug syndicates. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force has cracked a major hawala-financing module connected to Pakistani smugglers and arrested a Ludhiana-based operator handling drug proceeds. This breakthrough strengthens the ongoing “Yudh Nashiyan Viruddh” campaign led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav.
The operation gained momentum after investigators studied digital evidence recovered from Sandeep Singh alias Seepa, who was earlier caught with more than 50 kg of heroin. As officers examined his phone, they discovered encrypted messages linking him to a Pakistani handler and a local hawala courier responsible for circulating drug money. This analysis helped the team identify Shriyansh, a Ludhiana resident originally from Rajasthan.
Acting quickly, a raiding unit led by Sub-Inspector Navdeep Kaur tracked the suspect and recovered ₹20.55 lakh in cash. Officers believe the amount represents heroin proceeds routed through a sophisticated hawala structure. They produced Shriyansh before court and secured his judicial remand under Sections 27-A and 29 of the NDPS Act.
Senior officers, including AIG Gurinderbir Singh Sidhu, confirmed that the arrest disrupted a high-value financial pipeline that supported cross-border heroin smuggling. They also explained that the operation reflects the government’s renewed push to dismantle the funding channels of organised drug networks, not just their supply routes.
Moreover, investigators are mapping backward and forward linkages of the module. They are tracing digital trails, bank-like exchanges used in hawala transactions, and associates who may have facilitated money transfers. The team expects more arrests as they analyse seized communication logs.
The ANTF stated that the crackdown will continue with increased intensity. Officers encouraged citizens to report suspicious financial activity that may support drug trafficking, emphasising that public cooperation strengthens enforcement efforts.
