Punjab Police on Wednesday said they have dismantled a drug trafficking, illegal arms and explosives smuggling network in Amritsar, apprehending seven accused and recovering one hand grenade, two pistols and 3.491 kg heroin, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said, according to IANS.

The DGP said preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based smugglers who were supplying illegal weapons for further distribution among criminal elements. That alleged foreign link is a police claim at this stage and is still under investigation.

First information reports (FIRs) have been registered at the police stations in Chatiwind and Lopoke in Amritsar. Further investigation is underway to uncover the complete network and establish its linkages, the DGP added.

In a separate operation last week, Counter Intelligence Amritsar had busted a cross-border arms and explosives smuggling module with the arrest of five people and the recovery of one .30 bore assault rifle, two hand grenades and 13 foreign-made pistols, police had said. That earlier case is distinct from Wednesday's seven arrests.

Sources: IANS, via Hi India and Bilkul Online, reporting the Punjab Police / DGP Gaurav Yadav statement.