AMRITSAR, July 24 -- In a crackdown on cross-border smuggling, Punjab Police on Thursday busted three modules involved in trafficking of narcotics and illegal arms, arresting five persons and recovering 7.5 kg heroin, 1 kg opium, six sophisticated pistols and Rs.10 lakh in drug money. Police said the accused were linked to foreign-based handlers operating across the border.

The operations were carried out separately by the Amritsar commissionerate police and Amritsar rural police.

Director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the investigations have revealed that the arrested accused were working at the behest of foreign-based handlers, who were facilitating the smuggling of narcotics and illegal weapons into Punjab for further dis...