In a significant crackdown, the Jammu & Kashmir Police have dismantled a sophisticated cross-border narco-terror syndicate operating within the Jammu division, leading to the arrest of six individuals. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 5 kilograms of high-purity heroin, valued at over Rs 30 crore in international markets, alongside an arsenal of arms and ammunition.
Major Blow to Terror Financing
Addressing the media in Jammu, South Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Sharma declared the arrests a major achievement in the fight against terror financing. He revealed that the digital evidence gathered from the accused clearly established their connections with Pakistani handlers, who were supplying narcotics and weapons to fuel anti-India activities in the region. A case has been registered at Gandhi Nagar Police Station under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
How the Network Was Unraveled
The breakthrough occurred on November 14 around 5:20 PM. A police patrol team near Shastri Nagar Shamshan Ghat spotted two pedestrians carrying bags and acting suspiciously along the national highway. Upon seeing the officers, the duo attempted to flee but were apprehended after a brief chase. A search of their bags yielded more than 3 kilograms of heroin. The suspects were identified as Karan Sharma from Jourian, Akhnoor, and Niklesh Verma from Dhar Road, Udhampur.
Based on disclosures made by Karan Sharma, police conducted a follow-up raid on November 19 and recovered an additional 278 grams of heroin concealed in his shop located in Preet Nagar, Jammu. This led investigators deeper into the network.
Arrests Expose Racket's Structure
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Mohd Yousaf alias Shamma of Narwal Bala, Jammu, a key drug peddler and forwarding agent, from whom 53 grams of heroin was seized. Karan Sharma's interrogation further revealed the involvement of Gulshan Kumar of Lamberi, Rajouri, who managed the syndicate's financial channels. Upon his arrest, police recovered over 259 grams of heroin from his specially modified vehicle, which was impounded.
The probe took a startling turn with the arrest of Jaswinder Kumar alias Sonu, also from Lamberi. He was already incarcerated in Rajouri district jail in another drug case but was found to be actively managing the syndicate's operations from behind bars using WhatsApp. He acted as a crucial mediator between interstate and cross-border suppliers.
Another key player, Shamp Din alias Pappy of Suchetgarh, Jammu, was arrested based on technical evidence. A murder accused from Kathua who had been evading police, Pappy's capture led to the recovery of two pistols and three live rounds from his residence.
International Links and Ongoing Probe
SSP Sharma stated that all six accused are interconnected and were part of an organised narco-terror network with international links. The investigation has identified two Pakistan-based individuals, Gill and Shah, as the primary sources of narcotics and arms. Four of the arrested suspects have been sent to judicial custody. Police are now intensifying efforts to trace the remaining members of this network, map out its financial channels, and firmly establish the cross-border supply routes used by the syndicate.
