NCB busts cross border heroin trafficking cartel, seizes 5.160 Kg heroin in J&K’s Jammu

Jammu, Aug 26 (IANS) In a major anti-drug operation the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Wednesday that it 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.

A statement by the NCB said today, “Acting on specific intelligence on 22.08.2026, NCB intercepted a vehicle at Panjtirthi, Jammu. Search of the said vehicle resulted in the recovery and seizure of 5.160 kg of Heroin from two accused persons, both residents of Baramulla.

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 on 24.08.2026, within two days of the seizure. Prima facie investigation indicates that the seized heroin forms part of an organized 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.

The operation follows two other heroin seizures effected by NCB Jammu earlier this month—438 grams on 12.08.2026 and 603 grams on 13.08.2026—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 also urged the 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 reiterates its commitment to taking firm, sustained and intelligence-led action against drug trafficking networks and contributing towards the objective of a Nasha Mukt Bharat,” said the NCB in a statement.

–IANS

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