In a significant breakthrough under the Punjab government’s War Against Drugs campaign, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested two accused, including a minor, and seized 505 grams of heroin from the Ferozepur Cantonment area on Monday.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Gurinderbir Singh, AIG, ANTF Ferozepur Range, following specific intelligence inputs about drug peddling in the area.

Juveniles used as ‘low-suspicion couriers’

Investigations revealed a disturbing trend of drug mafias increasingly using minors as “low-suspicion couriers” to evade police scrutiny. Officials said children are deliberately roped in as they attract less attention during checks, making them vulnerable tools in organised drug trafficking.

The involvement of juveniles in narcotics smuggling has emerged as a serious social and law-and-order concern, driven by poverty, unemployment, family stress and lack of supervision. Authorities warned that this trend poses a grave threat to both public safety and the future of the younger generation.

Accused identified, heroin recovered

During interrogation, one accused identified himself as Gurpreet Singh, son of Chanan Singh, a resident of Bir Talab village under Sadar police station in Bathinda district. The second accused was confirmed to be a juvenile below 18 years of age.

Further investigation led to the identification and arrest of Jobanpreet Singh, son of Fuman Singh, a resident of Lakhmirpura village under Mandot police station in Ferozepur.

A case has been registered under Sections 21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act). Police said efforts are underway to trace the wider drug network linked to the accused.

Major gains against drug trafficking in 2025

Officials said the ANTF Ferozepur Range has recorded major success against drug trafficking in 2025. The task force registered 68 cases and arrested 125 drug smugglers during the year. Seizures included nearly 125 kg of heroin, over 33,780 intoxicant tablets, 37 vehicles, and ₹21.15 lakh in drug money.

Call for collective responsibility

Senior officers stressed that while strict enforcement will continue, tackling the drug menace requires collective action. Parents, schools, communities and the administration must work together to prevent children from falling into the clutches of drug syndicates.

Police said the case serves as a strong reminder that protecting minors from exploitation is as critical as dismantling the drug networks operating across the region.

Meta Title: ANTF arrests accused, seizes heroin in Ferozepur
Meta Description: Punjab ANTF arrested two accused, including a juvenile, and seized 505 grams of heroin in Ferozepur, exposing use of minors in drug trade.

Tags: Punjab drugs crackdown, ANTF Punjab, heroin seizure, juveniles and drugs, Ferozepur, NDPS Act, newskarnataka

A chilling CCTV video has surfaced capturing the exact moment a BEST bus lost control while taking a tight U-turn outside Bhandup (West) railway station and ploughed into pedestrians on the footpath, killing four people and injuring 10 others late Monday night. The accident occurred around 10.05 pm when the bus, operating on route number 606, first rammed into a roadside pole and then mounted the footpath, mowing down people standing outside the station premises, police said. 03:39 Mumbai Headlines Today — The Biggest Updates You Need to Know. The incident comes nearly a year after the Kurla bus crash that claimed nine lives. The bus involved was a wet-lease electric AC vehicle attached to the Vikhroli depot. The driver, identified as Santosh Ramesh Sawant (52), was hired on a contractual basis. He has been detained by Bhandup police, who are in the process of registering an FIR against him for causing death due to negligence and rash driving. Civic officials said the CCTV footage shows the bus taking a sharp turn before veering off course and crashing into pedestrians, triggering panic at the crowded station area. At Rajawadi Hospital, BMC officials confirmed that a 31-year-old woman was brought dead. Another victim, Prashant Lad (51), is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment. BY TABOOLASPONSORED LINKS YOU MAY LIKE This device changes the lives of seniors with hearing loss (without breaking the bank) Hearing Magazine Meanwhile, MT Agarwal Hospital reported that three victims were brought dead following the incident. Nine injured persons were admitted to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Civic and hospital authorities confirmed that the death toll stands at four, while 10 people were injured in the crash. An investigation is underway to ascertain whether speeding or driver error led to the accident.

Mumbai, December 30, 2025: