In Punjab, two senior prison officers and four other jail officials were arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy and drug trafficking within jails during two separate search operations last evening. Those arrested include the Superintendent of Hoshiarpur Central Jail, four other officials, and a Warden of Amritsar Jail. They were found to be involved in supplying drugs to inmates in both prisons. Action has also been taken against three jail inmates who were already serving sentences.

 

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Chief Nilabh Kishore stated that an FIR was registered following an inquiry into an organized drug smuggling operation within Hoshiarpur prison. The inquiry revealed that inmates were involved in drug smuggling, aided by corrupt jail officials.  In a separate case, the Warden of Amritsar Jail was arrested for supplying drugs and other intoxicants to inmates. Amritsar Jail Superintendent Hemant Sharma reported that authorities recovered intoxicating powder, tablets, and 63,000 rupees in cash from his possession.