Interstate heroin network busted

In a major breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, the Solan police have dismantled a Punjab-based heroin supply chain, arresting three key drug peddlers from the Chandigarh region. The arrests mark a significant step in curbing the flow of contraband into Himachal Pradesh.

The operation stemmed from a tip-off received by the Dharampur police on September 9. Acting on the alert, the police intercepted a Triber vehicle travelling from Parwanoo to Dharampur. Its two occupants — Naresh Sharma (38) and Anish Varma (31), both from Shoghi — were found carrying 10.42 grams of heroin. A case was registered under the NDPS Act, and the duo was remanded for interrogation.

Their questioning revealed links to a wider Punjab-based network led by Mukesh alias Monu (43), a Dera Bassi resident. Technical surveillance of mobile phone records, social media activity and financial transactions further exposed the involvement of two more suspects — Ajay (22) of Mohali and Ashok Kumar, alias Sudama (29), of Panchkula.

A police team constituted on September 11 conducted raids across Chandigarh, Zirakpur and Dera Bassi. After four days of intensive searches, all three men were arrested on September 15. The police recovered an electronic weighing scale, four mobile phones, a modem used in drug trading and a live 7.6 mm round from Mukesh, who now also faces charges under the Arms Act.

Investigations revealed that Mukesh was a key interstate supplier operating across Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. He had earlier been named in an NDPS case registered at Parwanoo on August 5 and was absconding since. Police also confirmed his involvement in an assault case in Lalru. Meanwhile, Ajay and Ashok allegedly acted as Mukesh’s couriers, delivering contraband and handling the proceeds in their bank accounts.

Naresh and Anish, arrested earlier, were also found to have financial dealings with the trio. Their past criminal records surfaced during the probe — Naresh facing an NDPS case in Chandigarh and Ashok booked for theft in Zirakpur. Solan SP Gaurav Singh said the accused have been remanded to four days’ custody.