Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): In a significant operation against synthetic narcotics, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Punjab Police has dismantled an international drug trafficking ring operating across the Tricity area and Ludhiana, arresting six alleged key members of the network.
Officials described the bust as a major setback to an organised syndicate that was allegedly supplying high-potency, foreign-sourced party drugs to urban youth. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial cache of narcotics and cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Among the recoveries were 1,215 MDMA tablets — one of the largest such tablet seizures reported in the country — along with 263 grams of cocaine, 82 grams of methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE), and various forms of THC weighing approximately 1.251 kilograms. In addition, 16 grams of magic mushrooms, 400 grams of opium, and ₹9 lakh suspected to be drug money were confiscated.
Preliminary findings suggest that the group procured the contraband from overseas sources using air courier services. Investigators believe the accused relied on encrypted messaging platforms and social media applications to coordinate transactions and avoid law enforcement scrutiny.
Authorities are now working to map the network’s supply chain, including both upstream suppliers and downstream distributors. Efforts are also underway to identify additional associates who may have been involved in the trafficking and distribution operations.
Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to a strict anti-drug policy, emphasizing continued action against synthetic and designer narcotics that pose a growing threat to young people in urban centres. Further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.
