India, Nov. 22 -- In one of the biggest drug seizures in the region this year, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Ferozepur, on Saturday recovered 50kg of heroin and arrested a drug smuggler after an encounter.

The operation, driven by intelligence inputs, culminated in the arrest of Sandeep Singh, alias Deepa, of Kapurthala district after a brief chase and encounter.

Punjab Police chief Gaurav Yadav said: "The arrest marks a crucial disruption of cross-border smuggling channels that are once again being activated."

Investigators said Deepa, a habitual offender with eight criminal cases, including five under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, had been released on bail earlier this month.

Intelligence inputs ...