In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police have arrested Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, an Indian-origin international drug lord wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Monday.

A resident of Mandiala village in Batala, Bhinder had been living in Brampton, Canada and was wanted by the FBI in connection with one of the largest drug seizures in the US on February 26. The FBI had earlier arrested six of his associates in the US and confiscated 391 kg of methamphetamine, 109 kg of cocaine, four sophisticated weapons, and multiple vehicles.

The arrested associates were identified as Amritpal Singh alias Amrit, Amritpal Singh alias Cheema, Taqdeer Singh, Sarabjit Singh Saabi, Fernando Valladares alias Franco, and Gurlal Singh.

Punjab Police tracks down key player in global drug syndicate

DGP Yadav stated that Shawn Bhinder played a key role in a global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the US and Canada. After the FBI crackdown, Bhinder managed to escape and secretly entered India, where Punjab Police successfully tracked him down and arrested him in Ludhiana.

The DGP also revealed that Bhinder was wanted in an Arms Act case registered in December 2024. His name surfaced when Tarn Taran Police arrested five members of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth gangs, leading to a significant arms and ammunition seizure.

Drug trafficking network spanning multiple countries

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Swapan Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhimanyu Rana disclosed that Bhinder had been operating under the cover of a legitimate transport business in Canada since 2014. He allegedly facilitated large-scale drug trafficking from Colombia to the US and Canada via Mexico using trucks and trailers.

During interrogation, it was revealed that Bhinder and his network were transporting nearly 600 kg of cocaine per week from Colombia. His drug syndicate is believed to have strong ties with notorious traffickers, including Amritpal Singh alias Baath and Gurjant Singh Bholu Havelia.

The arrest marks a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, with further investigations underway.