On December 15, 2024, Punjab Police's State Special Operation Cell made significant strides in combating illegal arms trafficking by arresting two individuals, Satnam Singh and Manjit Singh. This operation is linked to a broader illegal gun trade network allegedly backed by a US-based handler, Sunny Masih, who is also wanted for heroin smuggling [a85c41e7].
During the operation, police recovered a cache of weapons, including 10 country-made pistols, 20 magazines, and ammunition. Investigations revealed that Satnam Singh was in direct contact with Masih, who reportedly financed the smuggling of these weapons from Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand into Punjab. Notably, Satnam has a criminal history, with three previous cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and he had been released on bail just a few months prior, on July 30, 2024 [a85c41e7].
This bust highlights the ongoing issues of illegal arms and drug trafficking in Punjab, raising concerns about the involvement of international handlers in local crime syndicates. The police are continuing their investigations to uncover further connections and dismantle the network behind these illegal operations [a85c41e7].