Arrests Follow Backward Linkages in Two Separate Cases
Shimla police have arrested three interstate drug suppliers from Punjab in two separate operations, officials said on June 25, 2026. The accused are identified as key suppliers of two different drug trafficking networks, according to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mehar Panwar.
In the first case, police arrested Navdeep Mehta alias Piyush (22), a resident of Nankhari, Shimla, currently residing in Zirakpur, Punjab, and Sachin Gaur (26), a resident of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, presently living in Dakoli, Zirakpur. In the second case, Guruvachan alias Guru (25), a resident of Dhobiana Basti in Bathinda, Punjab, currently residing in SAS Nagar (Mohali), was arrested with 162 grams of chitta (heroin) seized from his possession.
Details of First Case: Tip-Off Leads to Arrests
Addressing a press conference, ASP Mehar Panwar said that on June 23, a police team was conducting routine patrol near Bhaira Khand Road on NH-05 when they received a tip-off about individuals carrying chitta. Police set up a checkpoint and intercepted three accused—Anil Ribalta (23), Prashant Mehta (25), and Tejasvi (24), all residents of Rampur Tehsil—with 25 grams of chitta. A case under the NDPS Act, 1985 was registered against them.
"During the investigation, backward linkages using technical, digital and financial data were established and Call Detail Records (CDR), Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR) of the accused were analysed. Investigation revealed that the accused had procured the contraband from Navdeep Mehta and had transferred Rs 11,000 to him. Further investigation revealed that Navdeep had procured the contraband through Sachin Gaur," the ASP said. Police teams were dispatched to Zirakpur, where both accused were arrested.
Second Case: Homestay Raid Leads to Major Supplier
Providing details about the second case, Panwar said that on June 20, police raided a homestay in Kanlog locality in Shimla, arresting Gopal Kumar (34), a resident of Bathinda, with 16 grams of chitta. A case was registered and investigation initiated.
"During the investigation, police established backward linkages on the basis of technical and digital evidence and came to know that he had procured the contraband from Guruvachan, a key drug supplier based in Mohali who is associated with an organised drug trafficking network. A police team was then sent to Mohali and Guruvachan was arrested and about 162 g chitta was seized from his possession. Investigation revealed that he kept large quantities of chitta at his rented accommodation in Mohali and supplied it to the customers as per their requirements," she said.
Investigation Ongoing
The ASP further said that investigation is ongoing and the role of other individuals in these networks is being examined. The arrests have dealt a significant blow to interstate drug trafficking routes between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
