In a stunning blow to Pakistan’s ISI-backed narco-terror operations, Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has arrested a notorious Punjab ISI drug racket heroin seizure India smuggler and recovered 50 kilograms of heroin valued at a staggering Rs 250 crore — one of the largest single recoveries in recent years that exposes the transnational criminal networks threatening India’s national security and social fabric.
Table of Contents
- Massive Rs 250 Crore Heroin Seizure: The Shocking Discovery
- History-Sheeter Caught Red-Handed: The Accused Profile
- The Pakistan ISI Connection: Cross-Border Narco-Terrorism
- The Chase and Encounter: How Police Nabbed the Smuggler
- The Border Route: From Pakistan to Punjab Interior
- Forward and Backward Linkages Under Probe
- The Bigger Picture: Punjab’s War Against Drugs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Massive Rs 250 Crore Heroin Seizure: The Shocking Discovery
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Punjab Police’s ANTF conducted an intelligence-based operation in Ferozepur district that led to the recovery of 50 kg of heroin — a contraband haul worth Rs 250 crore in the international narcotics market. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Additional Director General of Police (ANTF) Nilabh Kishore.
The accused, identified as Sandeep Singh alias Seepa, a resident of Shanna Sher Singh Wala village in Kapurthala district, was intercepted while traveling in a white Kia Seltos (registration number PB09AQ3598). Police teams acting on precise technical intelligence had been tracking his movements after he was released from Kapurthala Jail earlier this month on November 3, 2025.
This seizure represents one of the most significant strikes against the cross-border drug trafficking networks operating along the India-Pakistan border — a region that has become a focal point for narco-terror activities designed to destabilize Punjab and flood Indian streets with deadly narcotics.
History-Sheeter Caught Red-Handed: The Accused Profile
Sandeep Singh alias Seepa is no stranger to law enforcement. The accused is a history-sheeter with eight criminal cases registered against him across various police stations in Punjab, including five cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. His lengthy criminal record indicates deep involvement in organized drug trafficking operations spanning several years.
According to DGP Gaurav Yadav, preliminary investigations reveal that immediately after his release from jail, Sandeep reconnected with his Pakistan-based handlers and collected a heavy consignment of contraband from the border village of Baggeke Utar in Jalalabad. His wife is also reportedly booked in an NDPS case — suggesting the involvement of an entire family network in the narcotics trade.
The swift reactivation of drug trafficking operations upon release from custody highlights the sophisticated nature of these criminal networks and the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of known offenders with links to cross-border smuggling syndicates.
Criminal Profile at a Glance
- Name: Sandeep Singh alias Seepa
- Village: Shanna Sher Singh Wala, Kapurthala
- Criminal Cases: 8 total, 5 under NDPS Act
- Released from Jail: November 3, 2025
- Vehicle Used: White Kia Seltos (PB09AQ3598)
The Pakistan ISI Connection: Cross-Border Narco-Terrorism
Perhaps the most alarming revelation in this case is the confirmed involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in facilitating this massive drug shipment. DGP Yadav stated that preliminary investigations have revealed that this trans-border shipment of 50 kg heroin was sent by Pakistan-based ISI-supported smugglers.
This is not an isolated incident — it is part of a broader, systematic strategy by Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus to destabilize India through narco-terrorism. By flooding Punjab with heroin and other narcotics, these networks aim to:
- Generate funds for terrorist activities
- Destroy the social fabric by creating drug addiction epidemics among youth
- Weaken India’s internal security through widespread criminalization
- Create economic devastation in border states
The ISI-backed drug smuggling operations represent a clear and present danger to national security — one that requires coordinated intelligence sharing, enhanced border surveillance, and international diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to dismantle these terror-funding networks.
The Chase and Encounter: How Police Nabbed the Smuggler
The operation that led to Sandeep’s arrest was the result of meticulous intelligence gathering and tactical planning. ADGP Nilabh Kishore revealed that ANTF teams had been tracking the accused’s movements ever since he walked out of jail earlier this month. Intelligence inputs suggested that he had collected a heavy consignment of contraband from the border village of Baggeke Utar in Jalalabad.
Acting swiftly, ANTF teams spotted the suspect driving towards Ferozepur. When challenged by police, Sandeep attempted to evade arrest — leading to a dramatic chase. The suspect was eventually intercepted at Rauke village following a brief encounter where he tried to run his vehicle over the police party.
The audacity of attempting to attack law enforcement officers speaks to the desperation of these smugglers and the violent lengths they will go to protect their lucrative contraband shipments. Fortunately, the police team acted professionally and apprehended the accused without casualties.
Timeline of the Operation
- November 3, 2025: Sandeep Singh released from Kapurthala Jail
- Early November: Intelligence inputs suggest reconnection with Pakistani handlers
- November 22, 2025: Suspect collects heroin from Baggeke Utar border village
- November 22, 2025: ANTF teams spot suspect driving towards Ferozepur
- November 22, 2025: Chase ensues; suspect intercepted at Rauke village
- November 22, 2025: 50 kg heroin recovered; case registered under Section 21 NDPS Act at ANTF Police Station Mohali
The Border Route: From Pakistan to Punjab Interior
One of the most critical aspects of this case is understanding the route through which narcotics enter Indian territory. According to police investigations, the heroin was trafficked through the border village of Baggeke Utar in Jalalabad — a location that has emerged as a hotspot for cross-border smuggling activities.
The modus operandi typically involves:
- Drones dropping contraband packets across the international border
- Underground tunnels used to transport large shipments
- Collusion with local operatives who collect and distribute the drugs
- Use of private vehicles with concealed compartments to move narcotics to urban centers
The porous nature of the India-Pakistan border in certain sectors, combined with sophisticated smuggling techniques, poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police have been working in coordination to enhance surveillance and interdiction capabilities along this sensitive border region.
Forward and Backward Linkages Under Probe
While the arrest of Sandeep Singh and the seizure of 50 kg heroin represents a major victory, investigators emphasize that this is just the tip of the iceberg. ADGP Nilabh Kishore stated that the probe is ongoing to identify the intended recipients of this consignment — the forward linkages that would have distributed this poison across Punjab and neighboring states.
Equally important is tracing the backward linkages — the entire supply chain from Pakistani smugglers to Indian operatives. Police officials have indicated that more recoveries and arrests are likely in the coming days as they dismantle this network piece by piece.
Key investigation focus areas include:
- Identifying Pakistani handlers and ISI operatives
- Mapping the distribution network within India
- Tracing financial transactions and money laundering operations
- Identifying other family members and associates involved
- Understanding the role of border village residents in facilitating smuggling
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) may also be brought in to investigate the money trail — following the proceeds of this narco-trade to expose the financial infrastructure supporting these criminal networks.
The Bigger Picture: Punjab’s War Against Drugs
This massive heroin seizure comes at a time when Punjab is waging an all-out war against drugs. The state government and police force have made drug eradication a top priority — recognizing that the narcotics menace poses an existential threat to Punjab’s youth, economy, and social stability.
Recent statistics paint a concerning picture:
- Multiple drone sightings along the international border dropping contraband
- Dozens of drug modules busted in the past year
- Hundreds of kilograms of heroin, opium, and synthetic drugs seized
- Growing sophistication of smuggling networks using technology and encrypted communications
DGP Gaurav Yadav reaffirmed Punjab Police’s full commitment to making the state drug-free and intensifying the crackdown on trafficking networks. He emphasized that operations like the Ferozepur bust demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency coordination.
However, experts caution that law enforcement efforts alone cannot solve this crisis. Comprehensive strategies must include:
- Enhanced border security infrastructure
- International cooperation with Pakistan (through diplomatic channels)
- De-addiction and rehabilitation programs for affected individuals
- Community awareness campaigns in border villages
- Socio-economic development initiatives to reduce vulnerability to drug trade
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much heroin was seized in the Punjab ISI drug racket operation?
Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force seized 50 kilograms of heroin valued at Rs 250 crore in the international market during the operation in Ferozepur district on November 22, 2025.
2. Who was arrested in connection with this Punjab drug bust?
Sandeep Singh alias Seepa, a resident of Shanna Sher Singh Wala village in Kapurthala district, was arrested. He is a history-sheeter with eight criminal cases including five under the NDPS Act.
3. What is the ISI connection to this drug seizure in India?
According to DGP Gaurav Yadav, preliminary investigations revealed that the trans-border shipment of heroin was sent by Pakistan-based ISI-supported smugglers as part of a narco-terrorism strategy to destabilize Punjab.
4. Where was the heroin smuggled from in this operation?
Intelligence inputs suggest that the accused collected the heavy consignment of heroin from the border village of Baggeke Utar in Jalalabad, which has emerged as a hotspot for cross-border drug smuggling activities.
5. What vehicle was used by the accused drug smuggler?
The accused was traveling in a white Kia Seltos with registration number PB09AQ3598, which was impounded by police teams after the interception at Rauke village.
6. How was the drug smuggler caught by Punjab Police?
ANTF teams had been tracking Sandeep Singh’s movements after his release from jail on November 3. When spotted driving towards Ferozepur, he attempted to evade arrest, leading to a chase. He was intercepted at Rauke village after a brief encounter where he tried to run his vehicle over the police party.
7. What legal action has been taken in this Punjab drug case?
A case has been registered under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Anti-Narcotics Task Force Police Station in Mohali. Further investigations are ongoing to identify forward and backward linkages.
8. Is this the largest drug seizure in Punjab recently?
This 50 kg heroin seizure worth Rs 250 crore is one of the largest single recoveries in recent years, representing a major blow to cross-border drug trafficking networks operating along the India-Pakistan border.
9. What will happen to the seized heroin?
The seized heroin will be used as evidence in the criminal case against the accused. After the conclusion of legal proceedings, it will be destroyed as per NDPS Act provisions under proper supervision to ensure it does not re-enter circulation.
10. Are more arrests expected in this drug smuggling case?
Yes, according to police officials, more recoveries and arrests are likely in the coming days as investigators trace forward linkages (intended recipients) and backward linkages (the entire supply chain from Pakistani smugglers to Indian operatives).
This developing story highlights the grave threat posed by ISI-backed drug smuggling networks to India’s national security. As investigations continue, more shocking details about this transnational criminal enterprise are expected to emerge.
