Batala Police Uncovers Hotel-Based Smuggling Operation

| | Chandigarh/Batala
  • 0

Batala Police Uncovers Hotel-Based Smuggling Operation

Saturday, 25 January 2025 | PNS | Chandigarh/Batala

In an alarming trend, drug smugglers in Punjab are increasingly using innovative methods to run their illicit operations and evade law enforcement. An expose by Batala Police on Friday revealed that drug traffickers had reserved a specific room at Hotel Alpine in Amritsar for coordinating their heroin smuggling activities.

 

Hotel’s Room No 103 was used as a base by the smugglers to store drugs, meet with operatives, and facilitate smuggling across international borders. This case highlighted a growing pattern where criminals are utilizing legitimate businesses, such as hotels, to shield their operations and avoid detection.

 

Batala Police’s swift action has led to the seizure of the hotel property, sending a strong message that authorities are intensifying efforts to uncover and dismantle such complex drug networks across the state.

 

The investigation, which stemmed from an FIR filed on September 21, 2024, began after Batala Police arrested three drug smugglers and recovered 2.8 kg of heroin from their possession. As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the smugglers were using Hotel Alpine’s Room No 103 as a focal point for their operations. The room was strategically reserved for storing drugs and meeting with other members of the trafficking network, facilitating their heroin smuggling activities along the international border.

 

Batala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir confirmed that the hotel was being used to facilitate the narcotics supply chain, evading detection while carrying out illegal activities. “The smugglers used the room to store drugs and hold meetings with other operatives to facilitate the illicit trade,” he said.

 

Upon uncovering the extent of the operation, the Batala Police submitted a request to the competent authority to freeze the hotel property under Section 68F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This section allows law enforcement to forfeit properties linked to drug trafficking. After receiving approval from the relevant authority, the Batala Police successfully froze Hotel Alpine, located at Ajit Nagar Road, Katra Ahluwalia, in Amritsar.

 

The seizure of the Hotel marks a significant step in Punjab’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on the drug menace that has plagued the state. SSP Mir stressed that the action taken against Hotel Alpine should serve as a warning to those who aid and abet drug networks. “This operation demonstrates that Batala Police is committed to eradicating the drug problem in the state, and we will continue to take strict actions against anyone who facilitates the trafficking of drugs,” he said.

Sunday Edition

Trump's Second Term: A new dawn for Indo-US relations

09 February 2025 | ANOOP BOSE | Agenda

Dumplings to dragon dance

09 February 2025 | Abhi Singhal | Agenda

Royal Flavours of Mughlai Cuisine

09 February 2025 | Abhi Singhal | Agenda

Swaad-e-dilli

09 February 2025 | SAKSHI PRIYA | Agenda

Serene Retreat in the Aravallis

09 February 2025 | Pawan Soni | Agenda