Daijiworld Media Network – Jammu
Jammu, Aug 27: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a cross-border heroin cartel allegedly linked to a Pakistan-backed narco-terror network in Jammu and Kashmir, seizing 5.16 kg of high-grade heroin and arresting three persons, including the alleged mastermind.
Acting on specific intelligence, NCB officials intercepted a vehicle at Panjirthi in Jammu on August 22 and recovered the contraband from two residents of Baramulla. During questioning, the arrested persons allegedly disclosed details about the syndicate's kingpin who had supplied the consignment.
Following the leads, NCB teams launched a swift follow-up operation and maintained surveillance to track the alleged mastermind. The accused was traced to Leh and arrested on Monday, within 48 hours of the seizure.
Officials said the operation was aimed at dismantling the entire drug network rather than merely seizing the narcotics and arresting carriers.
The investigation is now focused on identifying the cross-border suppliers, financial channels, transporters, local associates and the onward distribution network linked to the cartel.
The latest seizure comes close on the heels of two other heroin recoveries by NCB Jammu earlier this month. The agency had seized 438 grams of heroin on August 12 and another 603 grams on August 13, highlighting intensified anti-narcotics operations in the region.
Further investigation is underway to establish the backward and forward linkages of the cartel and identify other persons involved in the network.