In connection with the confiscation of 102 kilograms of Afghan-origin heroin, with an estimated value of Rs 700 crore, during immigration checks at Attari, Punjab, in April 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Amritpal Singh, identified as a crucial participant in a cross-border drug smuggling case that transpired in the aforementioned year. The substantial drug haul, involving Amritpal Singh, had evaded authorities for a considerable period, but his attempt to abscond was thwarted when immigration officers at the Amritsar International Airport detained him on December 12. This arrest unfolded while he was attempting to flee to Dubai, and it was executed by the directives issued by competent authorities on December 7, predicated on the Look Out Circular (LOC) previously issued by the NIA against him.
Hailing from Punjab's Tarn Taran district, Amritpal Singh was taken into custody by the NIA on a Friday, marking the third arrest in connection with the aforementioned case. The NIA has asserted that Amritpal Singh played a pivotal role in illicit operations by handling cash and facilitating the laundering of drug proceeds through both conventional banking channels and the clandestine "hawala" networks.
The investigative agency substantiated Amritpal Singh's involvement through a comprehensive examination of the associates linked to various accused individuals. Additionally, the accused was found to have engaged in numerous incriminating transactions within the bank accounts of other implicated individuals in the case.
The drug seizure in 2022 unfolded in two distinct installments, transpiring on the 24th and 26th days of the month, orchestrated by immigration officers. The illicit substances were discreetly concealed within a consignment of licorice roots, underscoring the elaborate nature of the drug trafficking operation.
