In a significant breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, Kangra Police have successfully dismantled an interstate heroin smuggling network operating across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The operation, conducted under the special anti-drug campaign named Operation Naya Savera, led to the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of substantial quantities of heroin and other incriminating materials.
Key Seizures and Arrests
The police recovered 167.18 grams of heroin, commonly known as chitta, along with a goods carrier vehicle, 14 electronic devices, and uncovered financial transactions amounting to nearly Rs 80 lakh. Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Rohan stated that the network was allegedly headed by Abhishek Sahota of Jalandhar, Punjab. Sahota operated a well-organized distribution chain that supplied heroin to various parts of Kangra district through a network of couriers and local distribution counters.
Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that the cartel had established eight different drug distribution points across the district to ensure an uninterrupted supply to consumers. The police noted that the cartel employed a sophisticated modus operandi, where drug consignments were placed at pre-decided locations, and their coordinates along with video recordings were shared electronically. Payments were routed through multiple bank accounts, QR-code transactions, and Lok Mitra Kendras to conceal the money trail.
Phases of the Operation
The operation was carried out in three phases. The first phase began on May 24, when teams from CIA Kangra and Police Station Palampur conducted simultaneous raids, leading to the registration of an NDPS case and the recovery of 16.06 grams of heroin. Five accused were arrested in this phase, including alleged kingpin Abhishek Sahota, Mohit Sahota alias Harman, Sumit alias Shiva Aditya, Ritik, and Priya.
In the second phase, further investigation led to the identification of additional drug distribution points. Police recovered another 16.36 grams of heroin, seized a goods carrier vehicle, and arrested Kamvaljeet Kaushik. Police records show that Kaushik had previously been convicted in an NDPS case and was on bail granted by the Supreme Court.
The third phase of the operation, carried out between May 30 and June 2, resulted in the arrest of ten more accused and the recovery of 135 grams of heroin. Those arrested include Harshit, Lakhwinder Singh alias Tinku, Nisha, Ankur Kunal Singh, Sudhanshu Rangra, Parik, Shubham Kaundal, Apoorva Dhiman, Shivanshu Dhiman, and Eshaan Sharma.
Legal Proceedings
The Superintendent of Police added that several of the arrested individuals have previous criminal records under the NDPS Act. He stated, We have also traced suspicious financial transactions amounting to approximately Rs 39 lakh since January this year and nearly Rs 80 lakh over the past one year by them. Three separate FIRs have been registered at Police Station Palampur in connection with the case. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the Sahota network, trace proceeds of crime, and initiate proceedings for attachment and freezing of illegally acquired assets under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
