Barnala police have arrested a Jalandhar-based alleged drug smuggler and recovered 20 kg of opium from a truck at a checkpoint near Moga Road in Barnala, Face2News reported from Barnala. Police said the truck was allegedly being used to transport the contraband from Rajasthan to Punjab, and the vehicle has been seized.

Source: Face2News

SP (D) Bal Krishan Singla said a case has been registered against the accused, identified as Mangal Ram, a resident of Jalandhar district, and that police would seek his remand from a court for further interrogation to establish the supply network and identify other persons involved. Barnala Police also announced the seizure at an official press conference on Monday, November 2, displaying the seized sacks and confirming that further investigation is underway.

Source: Barnala Police (official Instagram press conference)

Tip-off, checkpoint, and what the accused allegedly told police

According to the SP, police had received information that a person was procuring opium from other states and supplying it in different districts of Punjab. Acting on the information, a police team laid a checkpoint near Moga Road in Barnala and intercepted the truck; a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 20 kg of opium and the arrest of its driver.

During preliminary questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that he used to purchase opium at cheaper rates in Rajasthan and transport it to Punjab, where he supplied it in different areas at higher prices, police said. These are the police's account of the accused's alleged statements, not findings of a court. Police said they are investigating the intended recipients of the consignment in Punjab and other persons allegedly involved in the inter-state smuggling network, and the accused will be produced before a court for remand.