Haryana ATS Dismantles International Narco-Terror Network, Seven Arrested
Major Breakthrough in Narco-Terrorism Case
Photo: IANS
Chandigarh, September 22: The Haryana Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has made significant progress in a case tied to an international narco-terrorism syndicate, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals.
Authorities recovered a US-manufactured pistol, a 30-bore pistol, three cash counting machines, five mobile devices, 12 rounds of ammunition, and 529 grams of 'chitta' (a synthetic drug) from the suspects. This marks the first successful case resolution by the ATS, as stated by Superintendent of Police Varun Singla on Tuesday.
On September 13, a shooting incident occurred at the Alif Laila Club in Panchkula. Police responded promptly, gathering evidence from the scene where a young woman sustained injuries and required medical attention.
Investigations revealed that five young men arrived at the club in two vehicles. After consuming alcohol, they engaged in a dispute, leading one suspect to draw a firearm and fire two shots, injuring a woman who was later hospitalized.
So far, seven suspects have been detained; three were caught at the scene, one in Mohali, Punjab, and three in Ludhiana. During the initial arrests, a cash counting machine was also seized.
Further interrogation and technical analysis uncovered critical evidence linking the suspects to an international narco-terror network.
It was discovered that handlers based abroad, particularly in the US, facilitated the accused by providing them with accommodation, vehicles, and funds to transport weapons, narcotics, and drug money to specified locations.
Due to the gravity of the situation, the investigation was handed over to the Anti-Terrorist Squad. Following this, one suspect involved in the shooting was apprehended on September 15, leading to significant leads about the network supplying weapons.
On September 19, another suspect, identified as an intermediary within the network, was arrested in Ludhiana, where 529 grams of 'chitta' were confiscated. The ATS has since registered another case concerning the narcotic recovery.
Based on information from the suspects, raids in Ludhiana yielded a vehicle, a cash counting machine, and other vital evidence. The mobile phones of all suspects have been secured for technical analysis.
Superintendent Singla emphasized that the investigation has confirmed the suspects' involvement with an international narco-terror network, which allegedly utilized local operatives to deliver narcotics, weapons, and other illicit materials across the border via drones to designated sites. Resources and funding were allocated to individuals linked to the network for these operations.
The ATS is conducting a thorough investigation into the entire supply chain of the network, tracing financial transactions, sources of weapons and narcotics, and connections with overseas handlers.