Chandigarh Police Arrests 58-Year-Old Woman with 14.71 gm Heroin in Maloya
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Chandigarh Police arrested a 58-year-old woman with multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and seized 14.71 grams of heroin from her possession in the Maloya area of the city. The arrest was made on Friday, February 6, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics distribution in vulnerable regions.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
According to police reports, the operation was led by Inspector Jasbir Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Maloya police station. During routine patrolling and checking, ASI Mangat Singh and a police team apprehended the accused, identified as Banno, a resident of the DMC area in Chandigarh. Upon search, the police recovered 14.71 grams of heroin from her possession on the spot.
The accused failed to produce any license or permit for possessing the narcotic substance, leading to her immediate arrest. The recovered heroin has been taken into police possession following standard procedures, and an FIR has been registered under Section 21 of the NDPS Act at Maloya police station.
History of NDPS Involvement and Family Links
Police records reveal that Banno has a long history of involvement in cases under the NDPS Act, having been previously booked in several such cases registered at different police stations across Chandigarh. This arrest highlights her persistent engagement in illegal drug activities, despite prior legal actions.
In a notable development, police further pointed out that the accused's sister, Bala, is known locally as a "drug queen" and was arrested earlier in a separate NDPS case. This connection underscores the deep-rooted family involvement in drug trafficking networks in the region, raising concerns about organized crime elements.
Ongoing Investigations and Police Strategy
A police officer stated that further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify possible links in the local drug supply chain. "Special emphasis is being laid on identifying repeat offenders and dismantling local networks supplying narcotics, particularly in vulnerable areas," the officer emphasized.
The accused is set to be produced before a court, and investigations are progressing to uncover backward and forward linkages in the case. This includes efforts to map out the broader network of suppliers and distributors that may be operating in Chandigarh and surrounding regions.
Broader Implications for Drug Enforcement
This arrest is part of a larger initiative by Chandigarh Police to intensify actions against drug peddlers and repeat offenders under the NDPS Act. By focusing on high-risk individuals and areas like Maloya, authorities aim to disrupt the flow of narcotics and enhance public safety.
The case also sheds light on the challenges of combating drug trafficking when offenders have established histories and familial ties to criminal activities. It underscores the need for sustained vigilance and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle the drug menace in urban settings.
