In a series of coordinated operations across the Jammu region, police have apprehended six individuals suspected of drug peddling and seized a significant quantity of heroin, cash, and related paraphernalia. The operations, spanning multiple districts, underscore the ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in the area. Authorities reported that the coordinated raids took place in Jammu, Reasi, and Kathua districts, resulting in the recovery of approximately 470 grams of heroin-like substance, along with cash, weighing machines, and a motorcycle.
The crackdown highlights the persistent challenge posed by drug trafficking networks in the region and the proactive measures being taken to disrupt their operations. Sources indicate to TahirRihat.com that initial investigations suggest potential links between the arrested individuals and larger interstate and possibly international drug smuggling operations, particularly those operating through Punjab routes. The coordinated nature of these operations suggests a broader strategy to dismantle drug networks at multiple levels.
In Jammu district, law enforcement officials at Police Station Gangyal reported the arrest of two individuals during routine patrols near the Power Grid Station in the Gangyal Industrial Area on May 12. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Amritsar, and Jatinder Singh, from Model Town Gangyal. During the search, police recovered approximately 30 grams of heroin, Rs 68,000 in cash, and a digital weighing machine from their possession. A formal case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Gangyal, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to trace the origins and destinations of the seized narcotics.
Meanwhile, in Reasi district, police officers at Police Station Katra reported the successful apprehension of two individuals during a checkpoint operation at Varun Chowk, Katra. The accused have been identified as Suresh Kumar, a resident of Katra, and Jeevan Lal, from the Udhampur district. During a thorough frisking, police recovered approximately 4.7 grams of heroin from Jeevan Lal’s possession. Law enforcement has registered FIR number 145/2026 under sections 8/21/22/29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Katra, and a detailed investigation is currently in progress.
Kathua district witnessed a significant breakthrough in the Billawar area, where police recovered approximately 430 grams of a heroin-like substance and arrested an alleged kingpin identified as Munish Kumar, a resident of Kathua. According to officials, the operation began with the recovery of over 15 grams of heroin-like substance from Kumar during a naka checking at Bhinni Bridge. Following sustained interrogation and subsequent house searches conducted after obtaining a court warrant, authorities uncovered an additional 415 grams of heroin-like substance at his residence.
Preliminary investigations, officials stated, reveal suspected links between the accused and interstate and foreign-based narco smugglers operating through Punjab routes. This discovery points to a potentially extensive network involved in the trafficking of narcotics through the region. In a separate operation within Kathua district, Police Post Marheen reported the arrest of Shakeel Firdouse, a resident of Kathua, near Mathra Chak. During the arrest, authorities recovered 5.89 grams of a heroin-like substance from his possession. Additionally, police seized a motorcycle bearing registration number PB35S-8392. Separate cases under the NDPS Act have been registered in Kathua district, and further investigation has been initiated in these related cases.
The series of successful operations across the Jammu region underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities. The investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to unravel the networks and individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. These recent seizures and arrests mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to curb the flow of narcotics in the region and ensure public safety.
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.