Task force probes source of narcotics seized in Amritsar
PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, February 16
Days after the seizure of a huge quantity of heroin from Sultanwind village here, the Special Task Force (STF) is trying to ascertain the source of other contraband recovered from the spot.
Besides 188 kg of heroin, the STF had confiscated 38 kg of dextromethorphan powder, 25.86 kg of suspected caffeine powder along with six drums of chemicals (207 kg) from a plush house located in Akash Vihar in Sultanwind village. Though the house belonged to senior Akali leader Anwar Masih, he had rented the property to the alleged drug peddlers. He had claimed that he was not aware about the nefarious activities of the accused.
The STF had earlier seized 6-kg heroin from Sukhbir Singh, alias Happy, of Ajnala Road. His interrogation had led to the arrest of cloth trader Ankush Kapoor. Later, the police swooped down on Sultanwind and seized the narcotic material. The STF has arrested Afghanistan national Arman Basharmal, Sukhwinder Singh, Major Singh and Tamanna Gupta from the spot. Later, over 3-kg heroin was seized from the almirah of Ankush.
Though the investigation carried out so far has revealed that the heroin was smuggled into the country from the sea route, mystery still remains about the origin of the remaining contraband that was delivered to the Afghani national for mixing with heroin.
“The investigation has revealed that the contraband was provided to Ankush on the directions of Simranjit Singh Sandhu who was nabbed in Italy by the Interpol. Arman used to list his requirements to Ankush who used to contact Simranjit it. It is yet to be ascertained from where Simranjit used to arrange the contraband for mixing with heroin,” said a senior official privy to the probe.
The seizure of dextramethorphan and caffeine hints at involvement of some pharmaceutical firms.
“Both dextromethorphan and caffeine are used in the pharmaceutical products. Therefore, some firms are also under the radar,” sources said. “We are trying to get Simranjit deported from Italy as his arrest will help in exposing the nexus,” he said. Simranjit is currently a proclaimed offender who is wanted for the seizure of 300-kg heroin by the Anti-Terrorist Squad of the Gujarat Police.
Meanwhile, the STF is also awaiting the forensic examination report to ascertain the chemicals seized in six drums from the spot.
