The New Year in the Tricity region witnessed a significant victory against narcotics as the Panchkula police apprehended an interstate drug trafficker and confiscated a substantial quantity of heroin. The seizure, valued at over Rs 12 lakh, marks a strong start to the police's intensified anti-drug operations for 2026.
Swift Raid Leads to Major Haul
Acting on a specific tip-off, the crime branch of Panchkula police sprang into action. Information pointed towards a suspect near the Sector 15 vegetable market in Panchkula, who was reportedly in a Hyundai i20 car. A team, led by Crime Branch In-charge Dalip Singh, conducted a swift raid at the location.
The operation resulted in the arrest of the accused, identified as Vijay Kumar. A native of Haridwar district in Uttarakhand, Kumar had recently shifted to Zirakpur and was allegedly actively involved in supplying drugs across the Tricity area of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. From him, the police recovered 296.92 grams of high-grade heroin.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Drug Money
During preliminary investigations, it was revealed that Vijay Kumar entered the illicit drug trade to finance an extravagant and luxurious lifestyle. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Arvind Kamboj stated that the proceeds from his trafficking activities were used to maintain personal relationships and fund expensive habits.
The court has remanded the accused to three days of police custody. This custody is crucial for investigators to delve deeper into the network. The police aim to trace the source of the seized heroin, identify his buyers and distributors, and ultimately dismantle the wider supply chain operating in the region.
Part of a Broader 2026 Anti-Drug Strategy
This arrest is not an isolated incident but a part of a concerted strategy for the year. Police officials emphasized that 2026 will see intensified action against drug mafias. The plan includes stricter monitoring of courier-based drug trafficking and proactive public involvement through awareness campaigns.
Highlighting the ongoing crackdown, police shared figures from the previous year. In 2025, a total of 124 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered in Panchkula. These led to 255 arrests and significant recoveries, including:
- 246 kg of poppy husk
- 13 kg of opium
- 1.93 kg of heroin
- 17 kg of charas
- 20,410 narcotic pills
In a strong message to traffickers, properties belonging to them were either demolished or attached legally. Furthermore, narcotics with a total street value of Rs 5.75 crore were destroyed following due procedure.
Senior police officials have reiterated their commitment, stating that the crackdown will continue with even greater intensity to break the backbone of drug networks in and around the Tricity, ensuring public safety and a drug-free society.
