Panchkula, September 22, 2026 ; The newly constituted Haryana Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested seven people from Punjab in connection with an investigation that police say has uncovered links to an international narco-terror network.
The arrests followed a September 13 firing incident at a club in Panchkula, in which a young woman was injured. Haryana ATS officials said the investigation subsequently revealed suspected links between the accused and a wider network allegedly involved in the movement of narcotics, weapons and drug money.
Heroin, Pistols, Vehicles Recovered
According to Haryana ATS, the investigation has so far resulted in the recovery of:
- 529 grams of heroin
- One US-made pistol
- One 30-bore pistol
- 12 live rounds
- Two cars and one motorcycle
- Three cash-counting machines
- Five mobile phones
Police said additional evidence has been seized and subjected to technical examination.
Investigation Began With Club Firing
Haryana ATS Superintendent of Police Varun Singla said police received information about the firing at a Panchkula club during the early hours of September 13.
According to the police investigation, five youths had arrived at the club in two vehicles and later became involved in an argument. One of the accused allegedly retrieved a pistol from a vehicle and fired two rounds, injuring a woman.
An FIR was registered and an investigation launched.
Seven Accused Arrested
Of the seven people arrested so far, police said three were apprehended at the scene, one was arrested from SAS Nagar in Punjab, and three others were arrested from Ludhiana.
All seven accused are from Punjab, including Ferozepur and Ludhiana, and are reportedly between 20 and 25 years old. Police said most of them were unemployed.
ATS Takes Over Investigation
During interrogation and technical investigation, police said they obtained information suggesting that some of the accused were connected to an alleged international network.
The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Haryana ATS, given the seriousness of the suspected links.
According to preliminary findings cited by the ATS, alleged overseas handlers, particularly those based in the United States, provided accommodation, vehicles and financial assistance to people involved in moving weapons, narcotics and drug proceeds to designated locations.
These are police allegations at the investigation stage and will be subject to further investigation and judicial proceedings.
529 Grams of Heroin Recovered
One accused allegedly identified as an intermediary in the network was arrested in Ludhiana on September 19 and subsequently taken into police custody after being produced before a court.
During police remand, ATS officials said 529 grams of heroin was recovered from a deserted location where it had allegedly been concealed in a motorcycle.
A 30-bore pistol, three live rounds and a cash-counting machine were also reportedly recovered during a search of the accused’s hideout.
The ATS has registered a separate case concerning the narcotics recovery.
Suspected Drone-Based Supply Chain Under Probe
According to SP Varun Singla, the preliminary investigation indicates that the alleged network may have used local handlers to receive consignments of narcotics and weapons delivered through drones and transport them to designated locations.
Police said vehicles and funds were allegedly provided to individuals associated with the network to facilitate the movement of consignments.
The ATS is now examining the alleged supply chain, financial trail, sources of weapons and narcotics, and overseas contacts.
First Case Solved by Newly Constituted ATS
The operation marks the first case successfully solved by the recently constituted Haryana ATS, a specialised unit functioning under the CID department.
Investigators are conducting technical analysis of the mobile phones seized from the accused and examining other evidence collected during the operation.
The ATS said further arrests and recoveries may follow as the investigation progresses.
