NCB busts cross-border heroin cartel in J&K, 5.16 kg drug seized

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, has busted a suspected cross-border heroin trafficking cartel, seizing 5.16 kg of heroin and arresting three persons, including the alleged mastermind, an official said.

Acting on specific intelligence on August 22, the NCB intercepted a vehicle at Panjtirthi in Jammu. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery and seizure of 5.16 kg of heroin from two accused persons, both residents of Baramulla in Kashmir, the official said.

An immediate follow-up action was launched based on leads regarding another Baramulla resident, identified as the alleged mastermind and supplier of the drug trafficking network.

The NCB team traced him to Leh in Ladakh, where he was arrested on August 24.

“Prima facie investigation indicates that the seized heroin forms part of an organised cross-border supply chain, with the contraband suspected to have originated from Pakistan and entered India through the Uri border sector,” the official said.

The NCB is expanding the investigation to identify the cross-border suppliers, financial links, transporters, local associates and intended distribution network involved in the cartel.

The operation follows two other heroin seizures made by NCB Jammu earlier this month — 438 grams on August 12 and 603 grams on August 13.