Chandigarh, Dec 17:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested the alleged kingpin of a well-entrenched inter-state illegal arms and ammunition trafficking network, marking a significant breakthrough in an ongoing probe into organised weapons smuggling.
The arrested accused, Kamalkant Verma alias “Uncle Ji,” a resident of Patna, is believed to be the main link coordinating procurement and movement of illegal ammunition across multiple states. With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has gone up to 11.
Investigators said Verma played a crucial role in sourcing ammunition from licensed and unlicensed gun houses, particularly in Haryana, and facilitating its illegal transport through Uttar Pradesh into Bihar and other regions. The network operated through a layered supply chain, using couriers and middlemen to evade detection.
The arrest follows a large-scale NIA crackdown earlier this month, during which coordinated raids were carried out at 23 locations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana.
Several illegal weapons and large quantities of ammunition were seized during the operation, leading to the arrest of multiple other operatives linked to the syndicate.
According to officials, the racket had the potential to fuel organised crime and other unlawful activities, posing a serious threat to internal security. Further investigation is underway to trace end-users, financial trails and additional accomplices connected to the network.
The NIA said it remains committed to dismantling organised arms trafficking modules and preventing the illegal flow of weapons across state borders.
