15.3 kg of heroin seized; four held

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 24

Calling it a “surgical strike” against drug peddlers, the J&K Police today recovered largest-ever haul of 15.3 kg of heroin, worth Rs 75 crore in international market, along with Rs 24.23 lakh in cash here.

In a press conference here today, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu, SD Jamwal, said the police achieved a major success in its fight against drugs, as it had recovered 15.3 kg of heroin along with Rs 24.23 lakh cash. The police have also arrested four accused and seized two vehicles during a raid in Jammu.

“It is the largest-ever haul from drug peddlers. We can also call it a ‘surgical strike’ by the state police against drugs. The total value of the seized heroin is more than Rs 75 crore in the international market,” the IGP said. “Our drive against drug peddlers will continue,” he added.

He said four FIRs had been registered at Gangyal and Gandhi Nagar police stations under Sections 8, 21 and 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

The four accused, who had been arrested, are Rakesh Kumar, alias Bobby; Sanjeev Sharma, alias Sanjay; Ashtyaq Ahmed; and Sunny Kumar.

After getting a specific intelligence, the operation was launched by SDPO Rafiq Manhas and the SHO, Gandhi Nagar, under the supervision of SSP, Jammu, Vivek Gupta.

In a related development, a Poonch police team recovered 50 kg of poppy husk from a truck, coming from Kashmir on Mughal Road. Two accused, Jasdev Singh and Balvinder Khan, have been arrested in this connection.

In another operation on Thursday, the police recovered 2.7 kg of charas from a Tavera, travelling from Srinagar to Jammu. One Momin Ahmed Dar was arrested and a case has been registered.

‘Largest-ever haul’

It is the largest-ever haul from drug peddlers. We can also call it a ‘surgical strike’ by the state police against drugs. The total value of the seized heroin is more than Rs 75 crore in the international market. — SD Jamwal, IGP, Jammu