NCB uncovers 2 Pakistan-linked heroin routes into Jammu and Kashmir
Two narcotics operations within a fortnight have pointed to separate routes allegedly used to move heroin into Jammu, officials said, one through Punjab and another originating across the Line of Control and entering through Uri in north Kashmir.
In the latest case, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) teams intercepted a Jammu-bound bus near the New Bus Stand in Samba on September 3. The bus was coming from Punjab when officials said they recovered 522 grams of heroin from a passenger. The probe then led to Ludhiana, where another 197 grams of heroin was allegedly seized on September 4. Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama, has been arrested. Investigators are trying to identify other alleged members of the network.
That seizure followed a larger haul in Jammu city. On August 22, officials seized 5.160 kg of heroin from a vehicle in the Panjtirthi area. Investigators said the consignment had originated in Pakistan and entered Jammu and Kashmir through the Uri sector. The trail later led to Ladakh, where three men from Baramulla were arrested in Leh.
Together, the two operations accounted for 6.920 kg of heroin, the agency said.
As part of the same campaign, the NCB also carried out two operations in drug-affected neighbourhoods, or “bastis,” in the Jammu and Samba belt, recovering 438 grams and 603 grams of heroin respectively, a spokesperson said.
The agency said its aim was to follow consignments from source to intended destination and dismantle the trafficking chain. Further investigation is on to establish the source of the drugs, identify intended recipients and financiers, trace associates, and map interstate and cross-border links.
