Punjab Police Nabs FBI-Wanted Indian-Origin Drug Lord Shawn Bhinder from Ludhiana
Accused Shawn Bhinder was a key player in global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from Colombia into USA and Canada: DGP Gaurav Yadav
Probe reveals Shawn Bhinder and his accomplices were transporting approximately 600 kg of cocaine from Colombia every week: DIG Swapan Sharma
Babushahi Bureau
Tarn Taran, March 10, 2025:
In a major breakthrough under the ongoing anti-drug campaign *‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’* launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Tarn Taran Police has arrested Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, an Indian-origin international drug lord wanted by the USA-based Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The arrest was announced by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday.
The accused, Shawn Bhinder, a native of Mandiala village in Batala who had been residing in Brampton, Canada, was wanted by the FBI in connection with one of the largest drug seizures in the USA. On February 26, 2025, the FBI arrested six of his associates in the US and seized 391 kg of methamphetamine, 109 kg of cocaine, four sophisticated weapons, and vehicles from their possession. The six accused previously arrested by the FBI have been identified as Amritpal Singh alias Amrit alias Bal, Amritpal Singh alias Cheema, Taqdeer Singh alias Romi, Sarabjit Singh Saabi, Fernando Valladares alias Franco, and Gurlal Singh.
DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that Shawn Bhinder was a key player in a global narcotics syndicate involved in smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the USA and Canada. After the FBI crackdown, Bhinder managed to evade arrest and clandestinely entered India. The Punjab Police successfully tracked and arrested him from Ludhiana.
The DGP further revealed that Bhinder was also wanted in an Arms Act case registered in December 2024, where the Tarn Taran Police had arrested five members of the notorious Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth Gang, recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
During a press conference, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ferozepur Range Swapan Sharma, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana, shared that preliminary investigations indicate Bhinder played a key role in transporting large consignments of drugs across international borders using trucks and trailers.
DIG Sharma added that Bhinder, operating under the guise of a legitimate transportation business in Canada since 2014, allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the US and Canada via Mexico. Investigations revealed that Bhinder and his accomplices were transporting approximately 600 kg of cocaine from Colombia every week.
SSP Abhimanyu Rana stated that Bhinder’s network is believed to have ties with notorious drug traffickers, including Amritpal Singh alias Baath and Gurjant Singh Bholu Havelia. Further investigations are ongoing.
Over the past four months, the Tarn Taran Police has registered 125 cases under the NDPS Act, arresting 145 individuals and recovering 34 kg of heroin, 4 kg of opium, and ₹2.29 lakh in drug money. Additionally, 29 proclaimed offenders in NDPS Act cases have been apprehended during this period.
This arrest marks a significant milestone in Punjab Police’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and uphold the state’s commitment to becoming drug-free.