The AAP-led Punjab government has stepped up its anti-drug crackdown, ordering strict action against police personnel found aiding narcotics networks and asserting that no one will be spared, irrespective of rank. In a message posted on X, the government said action would be taken against all those supporting drug peddlers, as part of its ongoing campaign against narcotics under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive.
5 POLICE PERSONNEL BOOKED IN PASSPORT CASE
In line with the government’s message, five police personnel in Tarn Taran have been booked for allegedly facilitating the release of the impounded passport of international drug lord Shehnaz Singh alias Shawn Bhinder, officials said on Thursday.
The accused – Inspector Prabhjit Singh, ASI Lakhwinder Singh, ASI Gurwinder Singh, Head Constable Harkanwal Singh and Constable Dharminder Singh – issued a no objection certificate (NOC) and submitted a biased report, enabling the release of the passport.
A preliminary enquiry conducted by the police fixed responsibility on the five, following which an FIR was registered. Sources said the accused personnel are currently absconding, while further investigation is underway.
DRUG LORD WANTED BY FBI, FLED AFTER BAIL
Bhinder, a native of Batala, was arrested in March last year during the state’s anti-drug drive. His passport had been impounded on the request of Punjab Police. However, after he was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in October 2025, the release of his passport allegedly enabled him to flee the country.
He is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with a major drug bust in February 2025, involving the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. Investigations have linked him to a global narcotics syndicate smuggling drugs from Colombia to the US and Canada.
MANN GOVT SIGNALS WIDER CLEAN-UP
Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba said strict action would be taken against any personnel found complicit in aiding drug traffickers. Two of the accused officials had already been suspended earlier, and the probe will now examine the role of other officers as well.
The AAP government’s latest action is being seen as part of a broader effort to cleanse the system and break the alleged nexus between law enforcement and drug networks.
– Ends
With agency inputs
