Jammu, Aug 26: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, has busted an alleged cross-border heroin trafficking network with the seizure of 5.160 kilograms of heroin and arrest of three persons, including the suspected mastermind, officials said.
Acting on specific intelligence, an NCB team intercepted a vehicle at Panjtirthi in Jammu and recovered 5.160 kilograms of heroin from two persons travelling in the vehicle. Both accused, who are residents of Baramulla, were arrested.
The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around Rs 11 crore, officials said.
During the follow-up investigation, NCB officials traced another Baramulla resident suspected of supplying the consignment and masterminding the network to Leh in Ladakh. He was arrested two days after the initial seizure.
According to preliminary findings, the heroin is suspected to have originated in Pakistan and entered India through the Uri border sector. The agency is now investigating the suspected supply chain, financial links, transporters, local associates and intended distribution network.
The arrests and seizure are part of an investigation aimed at establishing the forward and backward linkages of the alleged network.
Earlier this month, NCB Jammu had seized 438 grams of heroin on August 12 and another 603 grams on August 13 in separate operations.
Further investigation is underway. [KNT]
