The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has announced the discovery of two primary routes allegedly used for heroin trafficking from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. This announcement follows four significant interceptions made in the Jammu division over the past month, resulting in the seizure of over 6.90 kg of heroin.

According to an NCB spokesperson, one route extends directly from Pakistan via the Uri sector located in north Kashmir, while the other passes through Punjab. The investigation has unveiled two distinct supply channels that are reportedly feeding heroin into the region.

Recent Interception Operations

A recent operation conducted by the NCB on September 3 involved the interception of a passenger bus in Samba, where agents recovered 522 grams of heroin from Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora village in Pulwama. Following this interception, the agency traced the source of the consignment, leading to a separate operation in Ludhiana, Punjab, where the authorities seized an additional 197 grams of heroin.

The combined total from the Samba-Ludhiana investigation has reached 719 grams, and further inquiries are ongoing to identify other individuals associated with the supply, transport, and intended distribution of the drugs. This Punjab-related route is linked to a previous operation where the NCB seized 5.160 kg of heroin in Jammu city. Investigations revealed that this consignment also originated from Pakistan, entering Jammu and Kashmir through the Uri sector.

Following the seizure, the agency pursued the investigation further, reaching as far as Leh, where it detained the alleged supplier during the operation. In addition to operations linked to the Punjab route, the NCB conducted further operations in drug-affected areas of Jammu and Samba districts. During these efforts, agents recovered 438 grams and 603 grams of heroin, respectively. The total quantity seized from the four significant interceptions, along with the recovery made in Punjab, amounts to 6.920 kg of heroin.

Strategic Approach to Combat Trafficking

The NCB spokesperson outlined the agency’s strategy, which extends beyond mere interception of drugs or arresting carriers. “Our approach focuses on pursuing each consignment both backwards to its source and forwards towards its intended recipients, including tracing the financial aspects involved,” the spokesperson stated. This strategy is exemplified by the investigations into the Pakistan-Uri route up to Leh and the recent Samba operation leading back to Ludhiana.

Further investigations are in progress to identify key players in these trafficking networks, which include sources, intended recipients, financiers, and associates. The NCB is also focusing to uncover the wider interstate and cross-border connections involved in these drug trafficking operations. To assist in these efforts, the agency has appealed for public cooperation, encouraging individuals to report any information concerning narcotic drugs.

The NCB has established a helpline, the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline at 1933, for confidential reporting. “Any details regarding the sale, storage, transportation, or trafficking of narcotic drugs can be shared with us, and the identity of the informant will remain confidential,” the spokesperson assured the public.

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