NCB busts heroin cartel; cross-border links suspected, three arrested

27/08/2026

JAMMU, Aug 26: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Jammu has busted a heroin cartel and seized more than 5-kg heroin and arrested three drug traffickers, including the mastermind in the city heart.
The NCB spokesman here on Wednesday said that in a major intelligence-led operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, has busted a cross-border heroin trafficking cartel, resulting in the seizure of 5.160 kg of heroin and the arrest of three persons, including the alleged mastermind.
Acting on specific intelligence, NCB intercepted a vehicle at Panjtirthi, Jammu.
"Search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery and seizure of 5.160 kg of heroin from two accused persons, both residents of Baramulla," he added and said that an immediate follow-up action was launched based on crucial leads regarding another resident of Baramulla, who is mastermind and supplier of the drug trafficking network. Through sustained and determined pursuit, the NCB team traced him to Leh, union Territory of Ladakh, where he was arrested within two days of the seizure.
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 swift identification and arrest of the mastermind demonstrate NCB's focus on dismantling the entire trafficking network, rather than restricting enforcement action to carriers and seizures.
Investigation is being expanded to identify the cross-border suppliers, financial links, transporters, local associates and intended distribution network involved in the cartel, he added.
The operation follows two other heroin seizures effected by NCB Jammu earlier this month-438 grams on August 12 and 603 grams on August 13-underscoring the sustained intensity of intelligence-led anti-narcotics operations in the region.
Further investigation and intelligence development are underway to unravel the entire cartel and establish its forward and backward linkages.
The Narcotics Control Bureau urges citizens to actively support the fight against drug trafficking and addiction by sharing credible information through the National Narcotics Helpline - MANAS (1933). Information can be shared confidentially.
NCB, as per the spokesman, reiterated its commitment to taking firm, sustained and intelligence-led action against drug trafficking networks and contributing towards the objective of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

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