Pak-based smugglers change modus operandi

Ravi Dhaliwal

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Gurdaspur, July 2

Pakistan-based narcotics smugglers have changed their modus operandi of bringing drugs from across the border, with Jammu becoming the preferred destination for transporting heroin to various parts of India.

Use virtual telephone numbers

• Transporting contraband from Jammu after smuggling it from across border
• The couriers using virtual mobile numbers
• Virtual mobile numbers can be used on an assortment of devices
• These can be used without using your own number
• Such numbers are difficult to track

IG (Border) Mohnish Chawla said the method of smuggling drugs through the wire mesh on the International Border (IB) was not being used now. He said now heroin is dumped in Jammu from where its passage to other destinations begins.

Sources say this development surfaced following the interrogation of the four accused involved in the smuggling of 16-kg heroin, which was seized by the Gurdaspur police at Dinanagar yesterday. “Five drug recoveries made in the last few weeks show a common pattern. All four consignments originated in Jammu, where Pakistan-based smugglers have contacts. In Dinanagar seizure, the consignment was handed over to the accused somewhere near Sunderbari village near Jammu. The consignment was to be taken to Tarn Taran to be distributed to other cities. Vehicles used in the operations have neatly carved out cavities just under the dashboard. Two foreigners have a hand in smuggling. Tarn Taran-based Malkit Singh is the kingpin,” he said.

SSP Harjit Singh said an important aspect of the Dinanagar recovery was that it was found that the couriers had gone high-tech and were using virtual numbers.