With the arrest of an Afghan national along with five others, including two juveniles, the Amritsar police on Friday busted a cross-border drug and weapon smuggling module and seized 1.035 kg heroin, five sophisticated pistols, two live cartridges and Rs 5 lakh “drug money” during the operation.Those arrested were identified as Baz Mohammad (62), an Afghan national who had been residing in Sonepat, Haryana, and had recently shifted to Lajpat Nagar in New Delhi; Ankush Barthwal (33) of Nawanshahr; Des Raj (32), alias Vicky, of Jalandhar; and Rajandeep Singh (26), alias Raja, of Lopoke here. Two juveniles were also nabbed during probe into the case.Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were working in connivance with foreign-based associates and procuring illegal arms and narcotics through contacts established via social media platforms. The consignments were then distributed on the directions of overseas handlers through a network in the Majha and Doaba regions.The operation began with the arrests of two juveniles from whom police seized a Glock 9 mm pistol and two live cartridges. Following interrogation, another pistol and 500 gm heroin were seized.Further investigation led to the arrest of Baz Mohammad, Ankush Barthwal and Des Raj, alias Vicky. The police seized from them three more pistols, 535 gm heroin and Rs 5 lakh in cash. Their interrogation subsequently led to the arrest of Rajandeep Singh, alias Raja.The total seizure includes three Austria-made Glock 9 mm pistols, one Zigana .30 bore pistol, one china made .30 bore pistol, 1.035 kg heroin, two live cartridges and Rs 5 lakh in cash.Bhullar said investigators were also probing the hawala angle and tracing the financial trail linked to the network. The police suspect that proceeds generated from the illegal trade were being routed through clandestine channels.Investigations further revealed that Ankush Barthwal had recently returned from Uganda, where he was employed. During his stay abroad, he allegedly came into contact with Baz Mohammad through his brother working there. After returning to India, Barthwal is suspected to have joined the network and got involved in the illegal supply of narcotics and weapons.Police records show that Baz Mohammad, Ankush Barthwal and Des Raj faced multiple cases under the NDPS Act, prompting the police to describe them as habitual offenders.