||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh August 9, 2024 ||

JAMMU: In a significant development underscoring the persistent threat of narco-terrorism in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today seized a record 33 kilograms of heroin-like substance worth over ₹33 crores in the Bus Stand area of Jammu. The operation, which is one of the largest drug seizures in recent times, highlights the police’s relentless efforts to combat the drug-terrorism nexus that continues to plague the region.

Acting on reliable intelligence, the personnel of Police Station Bus Stand, Jammu, laid a special naka (checkpoint) and tactically apprehended a suspect, identified as Harmeet Singh (name changed), a resident of Punjab. Singh was reportedly transporting the consignment from Akhnoor to the Bus Stand in Jammu. Upon his capture, the police recovered 26 packets of a heroin-like substance, each weighing approximately 1.27 kilograms, concealed in a bag.

Following the successful operation, a press conference was held by senior police officials to brief the media and the public on the details of the seizure and its implications. The press conference was led by ADGP Jammu, Anand Jain, who praised the swift and effective action of the police force in intercepting the consignment. He was accompanied by DIG Jammu, Sunil Gupta, SSP Jammu, Dr. Vinod Kumar, SP City South, Ajay Sharma, and SP City North, Shivam Siddharth.

ADGP Anand Jain highlighted the significance of the operation, stating, “This seizure is not just a victory against drug trafficking but also a substantial blow to the financial networks supporting terrorism in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir Police are committed to dismantling these networks and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”

DIG Sunil Gupta emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating narco-terrorism. He mentioned that the initial investigation suggests that the consignment was sourced from border areas, with plans to transport it to Punjab. “We are working closely with other state and central agencies to trace the forward and backward linkages of this operation,” Gupta added.

SSP Jammu, Dr. Vinod Kumar, provided additional details about the operation and the subsequent investigation. He noted that an FIR (No. 41/2024) has been registered under sections 8, 21, and 22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Bus Stand. Dr. Kumar stated that the police are now focusing on identifying the broader network involved in this drug trafficking operation, which is suspected to have connections with militant groups across the border.

SP City South, Ajay Sharma, and SP City North, Shivam Siddharth, who were directly involved in the operation, also spoke at the press conference, expressing their commitment to maintaining the momentum in the fight against drug-related crimes.

Jammu and Kashmir have long been a strategic corridor for drug smuggling, largely due to its proximity to the international borders with Pakistan. The region has witnessed a surge in narco-terrorism, where proceeds from drug trafficking are funneled into financing terrorist activities. This dangerous nexus not only fuels militancy but also sows the seeds of addiction and societal decay within the local population.

The heroin seized in today’s operation is believed to have originated from Pakistan, smuggled through the border areas under the cover of dense forests and difficult terrain. The region’s challenging topography has made it an ideal route for smugglers, who often collaborate with militant groups to transport contraband across the Line of Control (LoC).

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have been at the forefront of combating narco-terrorism, conducting numerous successful operations to intercept drug consignments. Their role has been instrumental in disrupting the supply chains that feed both the drug trade and terrorism in the region. This latest seizure is a testament to the vigilance and effectiveness of the J&K Police in their ongoing battle against these intertwined threats.

The seizure of such a large quantity of heroin has significant implications. It not only prevents a substantial amount of narcotics from reaching Punjab—a state already grappling with severe drug addiction issues—but also strikes a blow to the financial networks that support terrorism. However, this case also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among state and central agencies to combat the evolving tactics of drug traffickers.

As the investigation unfolds, the police are expected to trace the wider network, including the source of the drugs, the intermediaries, and the intended recipients. This could lead to further arrests and the dismantling of a significant portion of the drug-terror nexus.

Today’s operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police is a critical step in the ongoing fight against narco-terrorism. The seizure not only curtails the drug flow but also disrupts the financial mechanisms that support militancy in the region. The presence of senior police officials at the press conference underscores the seriousness of the issue and the police’s determination to continue their efforts to safeguard the region from the twin threats of drugs and terrorism. As the investigation continues, the public can expect further developments as the police work to expose and dismantle the larger networks involved.