Jammu NCB busts Pak-linked heroin cartel, arrests three

New Delhi: In an Intelligence-led operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, has busted a cross-border heroin trafficking cartel, resulting in the seizure of 5.160 kg of heroin worth ₹11 crore and the arrest of three persons, including the alleged mastermind, the NCB said on Wednesday.

On August 22, the NCB intercepted a vehicle at Panjtirthi, Jammu, and on searching it, they seized 5.160 kg of heroin from the two accused, both residents of Baramulla. The NCB team traced the alleged mastermind to Leh in Ladakh, where he was arrested on August 24. The investigation indicates that the seized heroin forms part of an organised cross-border supply chain, with the contraband suspected to have originated from Pakistan and entered India through the Uri border sector, as per the NCB.

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 by NCB Jammu earlier this month-438 gm on August 12 and 603 gm on August 13, 2026.


Further investigation and intelligence development are underway to unravel the entire cartel and establish its forward and backward linkages, the agency said.