A significant narcotics network with connections spanning across state and international borders has been dismantled, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The operation culminated in the arrest of Gulzar Ahmad, also known as Lau Gujjar, identified as the primary figure in the drug trafficking operation, along with several associates.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh, stated that Gujjar has been a major supplier of narcotics throughout the region, successfully avoiding capture for over two decades. The SSP described the arrest as a substantial breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that Gujjar’s network has been identified and dismantled, marking a significant victory for law enforcement.
SSP Singh further elaborated that Gujjar’s entry into the criminal underworld began in 2006 with bovine smuggling. Around 2016, he transitioned to drug trafficking, significantly scaling up his operations by 2019. During his arrest on April 4, a Pakistan-made pistol was recovered, and three of his accomplices were also taken into custody. Authorities seized over 700 grams of heroin during the operation.
Currently, approximately ten more individuals suspected of being linked to the network are being interrogated, with about two dozen additional suspects identified and placed under surveillance. Law enforcement is actively pursuing all leads to fully expose the extent of the network and bring all involved parties to justice.
To ensure a comprehensive investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established, headed by a superintendent of police. The SIT’s mandate includes examining both the forward and backward linkages of the narcotics network. This involves tracing financial transactions and identifying assets acquired through the illicit drug trade. The goal is to dismantle the entire infrastructure supporting the drug trafficking operation and prevent its resurgence.
Authorities are working to determine the precise origins of the narcotics and the routes used to transport them into India. Investigations are focusing on potential entry points through Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and other border regions. The location of the narcotics’ source is a crucial element in understanding the scope and international connections of the drug trafficking network.
The recovery of a Pakistani-made weapon from Gujjar’s possession has prompted further investigation into a possible Pakistan link. (SSP Singh stated, “We are investigating that aspect as well, pointing towards broader narco-terror angle.”) This suggests a potentially deeper connection between drug trafficking and terrorist activities, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response from national security agencies.
Gujjar has a long history of criminal activity, with at least 28 cases registered against him in Jammu district alone. Dozens more First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against him in other states, often under different identities. This extensive criminal record underscores the scale of Gujjar’s operations and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and apprehending him.
The police have been actively cracking down on drug syndicates, resulting in the registration of 103 cases related to drug peddling in Jammu district this year. Of these, nine cases involve commercial quantities of contraband. These statistics highlight the severity of the drug problem in the region and the ongoing efforts to combat it. The Jammu and Kashmir Police are committed to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of the region’s residents.
Law enforcement has seized nearly 11 kg of heroin, along with poppy husk, ganja, controlled medication capsules, and other contraband. In addition to arrests and seizures, authorities have taken administrative actions to disrupt drug-related activities. Approximately 20 driving licenses have been revoked, and nearly 200 vehicles linked to drug activities have been blacklisted, preventing their use in future criminal enterprises.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.