NCB Uncovers Two Heroin Trafficking Routes Into J&K, Seizes 6.92 Kg

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has uncovered two major heroin trafficking routes into Jammu and Kashmir, with four interceptions in the Jammu division over the past month leading to the seizure of 6.92 kg of heroin, officials said on Saturday.

According to the NCB’s Jammu zonal unit, one route originates in Pakistan and enters the region through the Uri sector in north Kashmir, while the other operates through Punjab, with traffickers using the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir corridor to move narcotics.

In the latest operation on September 3, NCB officials intercepted a passenger bus near the New Bus Stand in Samba and recovered 522 grams of heroin from Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora village in Pulwama. Investigators subsequently traced the consignment to Ludhiana in Punjab, where a follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of another 197 grams of heroin.

The linked Samba-Ludhiana operations resulted in the seizure of 719 grams of heroin, with further investigation underway to identify individuals involved in the supply, transportation and intended distribution of the consignment.

The Punjab-linked case followed another major operation in Jammu’s Punjtirthi area, where the NCB seized 5.16 kg of heroin. Investigators found that the consignment had originated in Pakistan and entered Jammu and Kashmir through Uri. The trail was subsequently pursued up to Leh, where an alleged supplier was apprehended.

The NCB also conducted two separate operations in drug-affected slum areas of Jammu and Samba, recovering 438 grams and 603 grams of heroin, respectively.

The agency said its strategy extends beyond intercepting consignments and arresting carriers. Investigators are tracing each case backwards to its source, forwards to intended recipients and through financial networks to dismantle entire trafficking chains.

Further investigations are underway to identify sources, financiers, recipients and other associates, while mapping interstate and cross-border links. The NCB urged citizens to report drug-related information through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline at 1933, assuring confidentiality of informants.