The Drug Smuggling Network In Sangrur Jail, Uncovered By Punjab Police In May 2025
The Drug Smuggling Network In Sangrur Jail, On May 13, 2025, Punjab Police arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gurpreet Singh, who was in charge of security at Sangrur jail, for his involvement in a drug smuggling racket operating within the jail premises.
The investigation began after a raid last month uncovered 9 mobile phones, 4 smartwatches, 50 grams of opium, 12 grams of heroin, and other contraband inside the jail.
Further probe revealed that DSP Gurpreet Singh facilitated the smuggling of 25 grams of heroin and two mobile phones into the jail, receiving ₹40,000 in cash and ₹26,000 via UPI from a relative of inmate Gurchet Singh. Of the 25 grams of heroin, 12 grams were recovered from another inmate, Ravi, who was distributing it within the jail.
Additionally, the investigation led to the arrest of Manpreet Singh from Amritsar, an associate of inmate Gurvinder Singh, from whom police recovered 4 kg of heroin, ₹5.5 lakh in drug money, and a 9mm Glock pistol with two live cartridges.
A total of 19 individuals, including the DSP, a Class-IV employee named Prashant, and several inmates, were arrested in connection with this racket. The case is registered under the NDPS Act, Prisons Act, Arms Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station City-1, Sangrur.
While DSP Gurpreet Singh was actively involved in smuggling drugs and mobile phones, the evidence suggests he was part of a broader network rather than the sole “mastermind.
” The 4 kg heroin recovery is attributed to Manpreet Singh, not directly to the DSP, whose involvement was linked to the smaller 25-gram heroin transaction.
The term “mastermind” may overstate his role, as the racket involved multiple players, including inmates and external smugglers, with ongoing investigations to uncover the full network.
The drug smuggling network in Sangrur jail, uncovered by Punjab Police in May 2025, reveals a complex operation involving jail staff, inmates, and external accomplices.
Below is a detailed investigation into the network based on available information, focusing on its structure, key players, operations, and broader context.
Key Details of the Sangrur Jail Drug Network
● Arrests and Key Players : DSP Gurpreet Singh: The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) at Sangrur jail, arrested on May 13, 2025, for facilitating the smuggling of 25 grams of heroin and two mobile phones into the jail. He received ₹40,000 in cash and ₹26,000 via UPI (transferred to his wife’s account) from a relative of inmate Gurchet Singh. His role involved direct collusion with inmates and external contacts, leveraging his position to bypass security.
● Manpreet Singh : An Amritsar-based drug smuggler and associate of inmate Gurvinder Singh. Arrested with 4 kg of heroin, ₹5.5 lakh in drug money, and a 9mm Glock pistol with two live cartridges. His involvement points to a broader external supply chain feeding the jail network.
● Prashant (Class-IV Employee): A low-level jail employee arrested for aiding the smuggling operation, likely assisting with logistics or movement of contraband within the jail.
● Banto (alias Banso): Mother of inmate Gurchet Singh, arrested for supplying mobile phones and facilitating transactions, acting as a key external link.
● Inmates: 15 inmates were arrested, including Gurchet Singh, Gurvinder Singh, Ravi (who distributed 12 grams of heroin within the jail), Gurraj Singh, Raghvir Singh, Lovejeet Singh, Sikander Singh, Pargat Singh, Sultan Singh, Aman Kumar, Ajay, Harpreet Singh (Ludhiana), Rishipal, Harpreet Singh (Dhuri), Munna, and Rajiv Kaushal (alias Gaggu). These inmates were central to the internal distribution and coordination.
Police take major action against drug, 2025
● Seizures:Initial Raid (April 2025): A raid based on credible intelligence recovered 9 mobile phones, 4 smartwatches, 50 grams of opium, 12 grams of heroin, and other contraband from the jail.
● Heroin: 25 grams smuggled by DSP Gurpreet Singh, of which 12 grams were recovered from inmate Ravi, with the remaining 13 grams likely consumed or distributed. Separately, 4 kg of heroin was seized from Manpreet Singh.
● Other Items: ₹5.5 lakh in drug money and a 9mm Glock pistol with ammunition from Manpreet Singh, indicating the network’s access to significant resources and firepower.
● Legal Actions: A case was registered on April 27, 2025, under FIR No. 75 at Police Station City-1, Sangrur, citing sections 18, 21, 29, and 27A of the NDPS Act, section 52-A of the Prisons Act, and section 25 of the Arms Act. Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act was later added due to DSP Gurpreet Singh’s involvement.
DSP Gurpreet Singh was remanded to judicial custody and lodged in Barnala jail to avoid influence over Sangrur jail operations.
Structure and Operations of the NetworkThe drug network operated as a coordinated syndicate with internal and external components:
● Internal Operations : DSP Gurpreet Singh: As the security head, he exploited his authority to smuggle drugs and mobile phones, enabling communication and coordination within the jail. His involvement suggests systemic corruption, as he was able to bypass standard checks.
● Inmates : Inmates like Gurchet Singh and Gurvinder Singh acted as key coordinators. Gurchet Singh, linked to external relatives (Banto), facilitated the inflow of contraband, while Gurvinder Singh connected to external smuggler Manpreet Singh. Inmate Ravi handled distribution, selling heroin to other prisoners.
● Prashant : The Class-IV employee likely provided logistical support, such as moving contraband within the jail or aiding communication between inmates and staff.
● External Operations :
Manpreet Singh : His possession of 4 kg of heroin and a Glock pistol indicates a significant role in the supply chain, likely sourcing drugs from larger networks in Amritsar or beyond. His connection to Gurvinder Singh suggests inmates maintained active links with external dealers.
● Banto : As Gurchet Singh’s mother, she acted as a courier for mobile phones and payments, bridging the gap between inmates and external contacts.
● Communication and Payments : Mobile phones smuggled into the jail enabled inmates to coordinate with external suppliers and manage transactions.
The use of UPI for payments (e.g., ₹26,000 to DSP Gurpreet Singh’s wife’s account) reflects a modern, traceable financial trail, which aided the police investigation.
Cash transactions (₹40,000 to DSP Gurpreet Singh) indicate a mix of traditional and digital payment methods to evade detection. Singh’s connections to determine if he was part of a larger syndicate, possibly overlapping with the Turkey-based cartel busted in Amritsar.
Enhance Jail Security : Implement signal jammers, regular staff audits, and advanced screening to prevent future smuggling.Cross-Agency.