Jammu:The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has exposed an alleged heroin smuggling gang by carrying out a film-style operation against the consignment of drugs reaching Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. The action, which started in Panttirthi, Jammu on August 22, ended in Leh on August 24, where the NCB team arrested the alleged mastermind and supplier of the network. A total of 5.160 kg heroin has been recovered in the operation and three accused have been arrested.
Vehicle stopped in Panttirthi, secret of drug network revealed
NCB Jammu regional unit had received concrete information about the arrival of a large consignment of heroin on August 22. As soon as the information was received, the team increased surveillance in Panttirthi area of Jammu and stopped the suspicious vehicle. During the search, 5.160 kg heroin was recovered from the vehicle. Two accused residents of Baramulla were arrested from the spot.
Chase from Baramulla to Leh in two days
Clues found during interrogation and investigation led the authorities to the alleged main supplier of this network. After this, the NCB team proceeded rapidly and reached Leh in search of the alleged mastermind, resident of Baramulla. After continuous surveillance and pursuit, the accused was arrested from Leh on August 24.
Fear of link with Pakistan
Preliminary investigation suggests that the recovered heroin may be part of an organized cross-border smuggling network. NCB suspects that this consignment came from Pakistan and entered India through Uri border area. However, the investigation into the role of cross-border suppliers and the entire network in the matter is still ongoing.
From career to kingpin, keep an eye on the entire chain
NCB no longer wants to be limited to just the recovery of heroin and the arrested accused. The investigation team is busy connecting the links of possible suppliers sitting across the border, money transactions, vehicles used in smuggling, local helpers and further supply of drugs.
Third major action in August
This action of NCB Jammu is the sequel to the ongoing campaign of this month. Earlier, 438 grams of heroin was recovered on August 12 and 603 grams of heroin was recovered on August 13. These continuous actions indicate the agency's increasing grip on the drug trafficking network operating in Jammu and Kashmir. NCB has appealed to the common people to give reliable information about drug trafficking and related networks on the National Narcotics Helpline 'Manas' number 1933. According to the agency, the information can be kept confidential. NCB's campaign is giving a clear message – the story will not end after the arrest of the drug consignment, but action will be taken by tracing the entire chain through which the goods came and where they were to reach.