In a significant blow to the district's drug trafficking networks, Jalandhar Rural Police has arrested four individuals, including three women with multiple prior narcotics cases, seizing 150 Etizolam tablets and 49 Tramadol tablets during a special operation in Phillaur.
The accused have been identified as Dharminder Singh of Meowal village, who was operating an unlicensed medicine shop in Landhra village; Jyoti, wife of Balwinder Kumar from Ganna village; Preeti, wife of Devinder Pal from Magopatti village; and Monika, daughter of Balihar Ram from Samari village.
Senior superintendent of police, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that the regular operation are being conducted against drugs as part of an intensified anti-drug campaign executed by a Phillaur Police station team under SP (Investigation) Jasrup Kaur Bath, IPS, and DSP Sarwan Singh Bal, PPS, of Phillaur Sub-Division.
"What makes this case particularly concerning is the involvement of repeat offenders and an unlicensed chemist supplying prescription medications for illegal distribution," said SSP Khakh. "This represents not just drug peddling but a sophisticated distribution network targeting rural communities."
SSP Khakh added that the Inspector Sanjeev Kapur, SHO Phillaur, who led the operation, intercepted a van during a special checkpoint on February 26, 2025, recovering 150 Etizolam tablets and 49 Tramadol tablets—both controlled substances with high street value and potential for abuse.
"The investigation has uncovered that Dharminder Singh was supplying prescription medications without any pharmaceutical license. We've already notified the Health Department to take separate action against this illegal operation," SSP Khakh said.
Most alarming is the extensive criminal history of the female suspects. Jyoti, a resident of Ganna village, has seven previous NDPS Act cases registered against her between 2016 and 2024, demonstrating persistent involvement in narcotics trafficking despite multiple arrests.
"This case highlights the changing dynamics of drug trafficking networks, where female operatives are increasingly being used to evade police scrutiny," added SSP Khakh. "It also reveals how prescription medications are being diverted from legitimate channels into the illegal drug trade."
A case (No. 44 dated 26.02.2025) under sections 22-61-85 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Phillaur Police Station. The police have also seized the vehicle (PB-15-F-3424) used in the commission of the crime.The accused are being taken into police remand for further interrogation, which is expected to reveal additional details about their supply chain and distribution network.
SSP Khakh reaffirmed the Punjab Police commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, stating, "Our daily operations against drug peddlers will continue unabated. We are particularly focusing on repeat offenders and those exploiting legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities."
Residents with information about drug trafficking activities are encouraged to report to the nearest police station or contact the department's confidential tipline. The identity of informants will be strictly protected, said SSP Khakh.