Inter-state drug cartel busted, 2 nabbed with heroin, opium

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 18

In a crackdown on inter-state drug trafficking, the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, under the leadership of Commissioner Swapan Sharma, has seized 6.83 kg of illicit drugs — 1.25 kg of heroin and 5.58 kg of opium. Two smugglers Manjit Singh and Jugraj Singh have been arrested in this connection.

The operation began after a tip-off that led the police to set up a check point near T-Point Bhode Saprai Morh on Jamsher Road, Jandiala, here. At the check point, police officials noticed a suspicious person approaching with a bag. Upon inspection, they seized 1.25 kg of heroin concealed in the bag. The suspect, identified as Manjit Singh, a resident of village Umrewal, Mehatpur, was arrested.

During investigation, it was revealed that Manjit Singh was not acting alone. The police learned that he was part of a larger drug smuggling network. They discovered that one of his accomplices, Jugraj Singh, was also involved in the drug racket.

Jugraj Singh, a resident of Himachal Pradesh, was apprehended from Bhagsunag in Kangra and police recovered 5.58 kg of opium from his possession.

Swapan Sharma confirmed that an FIR had been registered under Sections 18, 21, 29, and 61-85 of the NDPS Act. The investigation has revealed that Manjit Singh had been involved in selling heroin in small quantities since long. Jugraj Singh, a farmer, had turned to drug trafficking due to economic hardships and started smuggling opium from Madhya Pradesh to supplement his income.

“The police have disrupted the activities of this drug cartel and further investigations, including the involvement of others in this smuggling racket, are underway. We remain committed to tackling drug trafficking and ensuring that those involved in such illegal activities are brought to justice”, said CP Sharma.