Karandeep Singh, the Punjab police constable arrested on October 15 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for colluding with drug traffickers, has allegedly told interrogators that he has collected over two dozen consignments of drugs sent from across the Pakistan border since June this year.
Speaking at a Police Commemoration Day event in New Delhi, Shah said India had won against Naxals, but there were other battles to fight. On two occasions, he did pass on tips to the police that led to drug seizures. Karandeep also applied for, and received, an arms licence for a personal weapon, claiming a threat to his life for helping police bust drug-related cases. Lakwinder Singh is also in NCB custody. Only one drone was busted from Rajoke this year, in April. Local BSF officers believed at the time that this route was no longer in use. Union home minister Amit Shah reminded security agencies about the challenge posed by drugs.
At least 11 drones have been shot down here since 2023, but the instances have declined since 2025. On September 26, the Punjab police also arrested an inspector posted in the counter-intelligence unit on charges of smuggling 3.35 kg of heroin, 6 pistols and 6 cell phones.
An NCB officer said this was designed to to preserve his standing within the police force while he facilitated the trafficking operation. On Tuesday, the local Punjab media reported the arrest of Karandeep’s associate, Lakwinder Singh, a former sarpanch of Rajoke village, a border village, in Tarn Taran.
