FBI-Wanted Indian-Origin Drug Lord Shawn Bhinder Arrested by Punjab Police in Major Drug Crackdown
Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, March 10 – In a significant breakthrough for Punjab’s anti-drug efforts, the Punjab Police have successfully arrested Shawn Bhinder, an FBI-wanted Indian-origin drug lord operating within a vast international narcotics syndicate. Bhinder, a key player in smuggling cocaine from Colombia to the USA and Canada, was arrested in Ludhiana, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’.
This operation is part of the Punjab government’s crackdown on the drug menace under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has emphasized making the state drug-free through rigorous enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Key Player in Global Narcotics Syndicate
According to Gaurav Yadav, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Shawn Bhinder was one of the central figures in a highly organized global narcotics syndicate. Bhinder facilitated the transportation of cocaine from Colombia to North America, specifically targeting the United States and Canada. His arrest comes shortly after a major crackdown by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in February 2025.
In a major breakthrough, @TarnTaranPolice arrests Big Fish Shehnaz Singh @ Shawn Bhinder, a transnational drug lord wanted by the #FBI–#USA. He was a key player in a global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from #Colombia into the #USA and #Canada.
This operation follows… pic.twitter.com/RVKvHSJwGt
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) March 10, 2025
The FBI’s operation led to the seizure of 391 kg of methamphetamine, 109 kg of cocaine, and four high-powered weapons, along with vehicles, during raids on Bhinder’s associates. Six individuals, including prominent drug traffickers, were arrested in the United States as part of this operation. Among those arrested were Amritpal Singh, Fernando Valladares, and Gurlal Singh, all connected to the international drug trade.
A Desperate Escape to India
Following the FBI’s crackdown, Bhinder managed to evade authorities by fleeing to India, where he had been in hiding. The Punjab Police, through a series of diligent investigations and intelligence-sharing efforts, tracked his location and successfully apprehended him in Ludhiana, Punjab.
Bhinder’s arrest is seen as a major win for the state’s ongoing drug eradication efforts, which have been intensified through ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, a comprehensive campaign aimed at eliminating the drug trade and narcotics trafficking within Punjab.
The Cocaine Smuggling Operation: A Global Network
Further investigations into Bhinder’s operations have revealed the scale of his involvement in the drug trade. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Swapan Sharma of the Ferozepur Range, who led the investigation, confirmed that Bhinder played a pivotal role in facilitating the smuggling of approximately 600 kg of cocaine from Colombia to the USA and Canada every week. This vast shipment was transported using trucks and trailers that appeared to be part of legitimate commercial transport operations, which allowed the drugs to cross international borders undetected.
The probe has also linked Bhinder’s operations to the Mexico drug routes, with evidence showing that the syndicate used Mexico as a transit point before sending large drug shipments to North America. His role in orchestrating the logistics of this illicit trade significantly impacted the global cocaine market.
Arrests and Connections to Other Crime Syndicates
Bhinder’s arrest has also shed light on his deep connections with other notorious crime syndicates, including Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth, both infamous names in the world of Punjab’s organized crime. Investigations are ongoing, with Punjab Police working to uncover the full extent of these connections and dismantle the international drug network.
Bhinder’s arrest comes amid an intense series of anti-drug operations led by the Tarn Taran Police. Over the past four months, the Tarn Taran Police have registered 125 cases under the NDPS Act, resulting in the arrest of 145 individuals. Authorities have also recovered substantial quantities of heroin (34 kg), opium (4 kg), and ₹2.29 lakh in drug money.
A Significant Step in Punjab’s War on Drugs
This arrest is a critical step in Punjab’s fight against drug trafficking and reinforces the commitment of the Punjab Police to eradicate narcotics from the state. The arrest also demonstrates the effectiveness of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, which combines local and international efforts to tackle the drug crisis.
As SSP Tarn Taran, Abhimanyu Rana, noted during a press conference, the successful arrest of Shawn Bhinder is part of a larger strategy to disrupt the operations of major drug syndicates and stop the flow of illicit substances across borders. The authorities are also focusing on strengthening their intelligence networks to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate still operating in the region.
Continued Efforts for a Drug-Free Punjab
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing anti-drug campaigns and vowed to continue pushing for a drug-free Punjab. “This arrest is just one of many steps we are taking to rid the state of drugs and restore safety and prosperity to our communities,” said CM Mann.
As investigations continue, the Punjab Police remain committed to eradicating drug trafficking, working in close collaboration with international agencies like the FBI to apprehend criminals and disrupt global drug networks. Bhinder’s arrest is expected to significantly weaken the operations of international drug cartels in Punjab, sending a strong message that the state’s resolve to combat the drug epidemic is unwavering.
Conclusion: A Major Blow to Global Drug Cartels
The arrest of Shawn Bhinder, one of the FBI’s most-wanted international drug lords, represents a major victory in Punjab’s battle against the growing drug crisis. With his capture, the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has struck a significant blow to one of the world’s most notorious drug syndicates, sending a clear signal that Punjab will not tolerate drug-related activities and will continue to fight tirelessly for a drug-free future.