Rupnagar, June 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Rupnagar Police arrested five alleged drug smugglers following a dramatic chase and police encounter, recovering 150 grams of heroin, an illegal pistol, five live cartridges and a Hyundai Accent car from their possession.
The operation was carried out as part of the Punjab Police’s ongoing anti-drug campaign aimed at dismantling narcotics networks operating in the state.
Police Act on Specific Intelligence
Sharing details of the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rupnagar Maninder Singh said that police had received reliable intelligence inputs indicating that a group of drug traffickers was travelling towards Nangal through Naya Nangal in a white Hyundai Accent car.
Acting swiftly on the information, a team from Police Post Naya Nangal set up a checkpoint and began checking vehicles in the area.
Accused Open Fire During Escape Attempt
According to the SSP, when police attempted to stop the suspected vehicle, the occupants allegedly opened fire on the police party and tried to flee the scene.
The accused reportedly fired two rounds at the checkpoint before speeding away.
Police teams immediately launched a pursuit and chased the vehicle for nearly 10 kilometres before intercepting it near Brahmpura village.
One Accused Injured During Encounter
The SSP said that during the operation, one of the accused allegedly fired again at the police team.
In response, and in view of public safety and self-defence, a police official fired a single shot from his service weapon.
The bullet struck Lovepreet Singh, a resident of Jangpura in Mohali district, on the shoulder. He was immediately overpowered and shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Five Accused Arrested
Police identified the arrested accused as:
- Lovepreet Singh, resident of Jangpura, Mohali
- Rohit, resident of Hisar, Haryana
- Shubham, resident of Jind, Haryana
- Parikshit, resident of Sonipat, Haryana
- Lehmastak Pratap Singh, resident of Chandigarh
Heroin, Weapon and Car Recovered
During the search, police recovered:
- 150 grams of heroin
- One illegal .32 bore pistol
- Five live cartridges
- One Hyundai Accent car
The recovery is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in the district police’s efforts against narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
Probe Into Drug Network Underway
SSP Maninder Singh said a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Arms Act, and other relevant provisions of law.
Investigators are now examining the backward and forward linkages of the accused to identify suppliers, associates and potential buyers connected to the alleged drug network.
Police are also probing the criminal backgrounds of the arrested individuals in an effort to uncover the wider trafficking syndicate.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Drugs
Reiterating the district police’s commitment to combating the drug menace, the SSP said Rupnagar Police would continue to pursue a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
He emphasized that strict action would be taken against anti-social and criminal elements in accordance with the law to ensure public safety and maintain law and order in the district.
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