Amritsar Police, in a joint operation with a central agency, have busted a cross-border illegal arms, narcotics and hawala network, leading to the arrest of seven accused, including an Afghan national and a juvenile.During the operation, police recovered 10 sophisticated weapons, including two sub-machine guns, 5.048 kg of heroin and Rs 30.38 lakh in hawala money, dealing a significant blow to an international smuggling syndicate allegedly operating across borders.According to preliminary investigations, the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based handlers who coordinated activities through social media platforms.The network reportedly received consignments of narcotics and illegal weapons and subsequently distributed them to criminal elements in different areas.In a post on X, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said police have also found evidence suggesting the use of hawala channels to facilitate financial transactions linked to drug trafficking and arms smuggling.The seized cash is believed to be connected to these illegal operations, he said.Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the arrests expose a well-organised network involved in trafficking drugs, illegal arms and illicit funds.He added that the involvement of foreign-based operatives highlights the growing challenge posed by transnational criminal syndicates using digital platforms to coordinate activities.A case has been registered at Islamabad Police Station, Amritsar. Further investigations are underway to establish backward and forward linkages, identify additional associates connected to the foreign-based network, and uncover more recoveries and arrests, he added.