Amritsar Man Held with 85kg Heroin Was Working for UK-Based Drug Handler, Say Police

Amarjot Singh alias Jota, a pharmacist from Bhittewad village in Amritsar, was arrested by Tarn Taran police after 85 kg of heroin was seized from his possession.

The accused, reportedly a drug addict, was operating on the instructions of his UK-based handler, Lalli.

According to police, Amarjot was a key player in storing heroin consignments smuggled from Pakistan via drones.

His role was to collect small deliveries and keep them hidden until market demand peaked, allowing the syndicate to sell the stash at high profits.

Drone Deliveries and Hidden Stash Points

Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhimanyu Rana stated that Amarjot functioned as a storekeeper for the network, with his home acting as the primary stash location.

He added, “The accused’s house served as a stash point for the network, and his task was to store the drone-delivered consignment from Pakistan.”

The heroin was stored with the intent to distribute during periods of high demand. “The police campaign has choked supply routes, and the accused anticipated profits by selling the heroin later,” SSP Rana explained.

Massive Drug Bust Uncovered in Phases

In a carefully coordinated operation based on a tip-off, the CIA Staff of Tarn Taran Police intercepted Amarjot on Chabhal Road and recovered 5 kg of heroin from his Activa scooter.

Interrogation led to the discovery of two more consignments of 40 kg each — one hidden in Rakh Sarai Amanat Khan and another in a washing machine at his residence in Bhittewad.

The total haul reached 85 kg, marking the largest drug seizure in Punjab in 2025.

UK-Based Mastermind Behind Smuggling Network

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed the operation was directed by a UK-based handler named Lalli, suspected to be operating in collaboration with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.

Lalli’s associate in Pakistan, identified as Shah, helped facilitate cross-border drone smuggling.

“Further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days,” Yadav said.

Lack of Information on Key Smuggler

One of the key challenges in the investigation, according to SSP Rana, is tracing the handler Lalli. “Lalli is not a known smuggler. We are still trying to gather details about him and his connections in Punjab and Pakistan. The mobile phone of the accused has also been sent for forensic examination,” he said.

Case Registered Under NDPS Act

A case has been registered against Amarjot Singh under Sections 21 (c) and 25 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Tarn Taran City Police Station. Officials estimate the value of the seized contraband at approximately ₹500 crore.

DGP Yadav noted, “The accused was using his residence as a major stash point and distributing heroin to local suppliers for circulation across Punjab.”

Police Eyeing Wider Network

Investigators are now focusing on dismantling the entire narcotics distribution chain. Rana emphasized that efforts are underway to identify suppliers, dealers, buyers, and hawala handlers involved in the network.

“Efforts are being made to trace the entire network… to ascertain the total quantity of drugs received by the arrested accused so far,” he said.

First-Time Offender Drawn by Easy Money

According to police findings, Amarjot Singh fell into drug addiction and later joined the illegal trade for financial gain. Officials noted this was his first arrest and described him as a major player in the heroin supply chain. “Amarjot was a big fish in the drug trade,” SSP Rana remarked.