JAMMU: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu Zonal Unit, has intensified its crackdown on heroin trafficking into Jammu and Kashmir, with recent operations indicating two distinct supply routes — one directly from Pakistan through the Uri sector and another through Punjab into the Union Territory.
In the latest operation on September 3, NCB Jammu intercepted a passenger bus near New Bus Stand, Samba, and recovered 522 grams of heroin from Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora, Pulwama.
Investigators subsequently traced the backward linkage to Punjab. Acting on the lead, NCB launched a separate operation in Ludhiana, where another 197 grams of heroin was recovered.
The linked Samba-Ludhiana operation has thus resulted in a total seizure of 719 grams of heroin, while further investigation into the trafficking network is continuing.
The latest seizure is the fourth heroin interception by NCB in the Jammu Division within about a month, forming part of what the agency described as a sustained intelligence-led offensive against heroin supply and distribution networks.
Recent operations have included seizures of 438 grams and 603 grams of heroin in two separate actions conducted inside drug-affected bastis in Jammu and Samba.
In another major operation, NCB seized 5.160 kg of heroin in Jammu. Investigation in that case indicated that the consignment had originated from Pakistan and entered Jammu and Kashmir through the Uri sector.
The trail in that case was pursued beyond the point of seizure up to Leh, where the alleged supplier was apprehended.
The latest Samba case, according to NCB, has exposed another supply channel involving the Punjab-J&K corridor, with the backward linkage leading investigators to Ludhiana and resulting in an additional recovery.
The agency said recent operations indicate that heroin is being pushed into the region through multiple routes — directly across the Pakistan border as well as indirectly through Punjab.
NCB said its strategy is focused not only on seizures at the point of interception but also on tracing every consignment backwards to its source and forwards to its intended recipients, with the aim of dismantling the entire trafficking chain.
Further investigation into the alleged suppliers, receivers, financial trail and other members of the networks is underway.
