Punjab Police Nab FBI-Wanted Drug Lord Shehnaz Singh in Global Trafficking Bust
Punjab Police have arrested Shehnaz Singh, alias Shawn Bhinder, an international drug trafficker wanted by the FBI for his role in a global narcotics syndicate. The operation, announced on Monday, targeted Singh after his associates were caught in a major US drug bust on February 26. He had fled to India following the crackdown, only to be tracked down in Punjab.
The Punjab Police launched a focused operation to apprehend Singh, identified as a key figure in smuggling drugs across borders. His arrest follows the detention of five associates in the US. The syndicate operated in Colombia, the US, Canada, and other nations.
US authorities seized 391 kg of methamphetamine, 109 kg of cocaine, and four firearms from Singh’s associates on February 26. The arrested individuals included Amritpal ‘Amrit Bal’ Singh, Amritpal ‘Cheema’ Singh, Takdir Singh, Sarbsit Singh, and Fernando Valladares. Singh absconded to India soon after.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav shared the breakthrough on X, stating, “He was a key player in a global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the USA and Canada.” The post hailed the arrest as proof of Punjab Police’s resolve against drug trafficking. “This operation follows a zero-tolerance approach,” it added.
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Singh allegedly orchestrated the movement of cocaine and methamphetamine through an intricate network spanning multiple countries. The US bust exposed the scale of his operations, prompting swift action by Punjab authorities. His capture marks a significant blow to the syndicate.
The Punjab Police emphasised their dedication to working with international agencies. “We remain committed to ensuring Punjab is not a safe haven for drug smugglers and criminals,” the DGP’s statement concluded. This reflects ongoing efforts to curb organised crime in the state.
Authorities are likely to interrogate Singh to uncover more details about the syndicate’s operations. Further collaboration with the FBI and other agencies is expected. Updates on the investigation and potential extradition proceedings may follow in the coming days.
