Jammu, August 26: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu has busted a major cross-border heroin trafficking cartel with the arrest of three persons, including the suspected mastermind, and seizure of 5.16 kg of heroin worth crores of rupees.
According to the NCB, the breakthrough came after the agency received specific intelligence regarding the movement of a heroin consignment. Acting on the information, an NCB team intercepted a vehicle at Panjtirthi in Jammu on Saturday.
Two occupants of the vehicle, both residents of Baramulla district in north Kashmir, were apprehended and heroin was recovered from their possession, an NCB spokesperson said.
During the immediate follow-up investigation, the agency gathered crucial leads about another Baramulla resident who was allegedly operating as the mastermind and supplier of the trafficking network.
The NCB team subsequently traced the suspected mastermind to Leh district of Ladakh, where he was arrested on Monday, within two days of the seizure.
Prima facie investigation has indicated that the seized heroin is part of an organised cross-border trafficking network, with the contraband suspected to have originated in Pakistan and entered India through the Uri border sector, the spokesperson said.
The NCB said the swift identification and arrest of the alleged mastermind reflects its focus on dismantling the entire trafficking network instead of limiting enforcement action to carriers and drug seizures.
The ongoing investigation will focus on identifying the cross-border suppliers, financial links, transporters, local associates and intended distribution network connected with the cartel.
The latest action comes amid intensified anti-narcotics operations by NCB Jammu. Earlier this month, the agency seized 438 grams of heroin on August 12 and 603 grams on August 13, officials said.
Further investigation and intelligence gathering are underway to establish the cartel’s forward and backward linkages and identify other persons involved in the network.
The NCB has urged citizens to support the fight against drug trafficking by sharing credible information through the National Narcotics Helpline — MANAS (1933). The agency said information can be shared confidentially.
The NCB reiterated its commitment to sustained, intelligence-led action against drug trafficking networks and contributing towards the goal of a ‘Nasha Mukt’ Bharat.
