Two Routes, One Destination, Heroin Takes the Highway to Jammu

Two narcotics seizures within a fortnight have highlighted what officials describe as two separate routes through which heroin is allegedly reaching Jammu one via the Punjab,Jammu corridor and another through Uri in north Kashmir. According to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials, investigators have identified the two routes following separate anti-narcotics operations carried out in recent week. In the latest operation, officials said they seized 522 grams of heroin from a passenger travelling on a Jammu bound bus. The vehicle was intercepted near the New Bus Stand in Samba on September 3 and was reportedly coming from Punjab. The investigation subsequently led officials to Ludhiana, Punjab, where another 197 grams of heroin was allegedly recovered during a follow up operation on September 4. Officials said Aqib Bashir from Kakapora in Pulwama was arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are now attempting to establish the wider network and identify other individuals allegedly involved in the movement of the narcotics. The latest seizure follows another major anti-narcotics operation in Jammu city. On August 22, official said they recovered 5.160 kg of heroin from a vehicle in the Panjtirthi area. Investigators have alleged that the consignment in that case originated in Pakistan and entered Jammu and Kashmir through the Uri sector. The subsequent investigation reportedly took official to the Union Territory of Ladakh, where three Baramulla natives were arrested in Leh. Taken together, officials said the two operations resulted in the seizure of 6.920 kg of heroin. The cases have drawn attention to the different channels allegedly being used to move narcotic into Jammu. While one investigation is focused on the Punjab,Jammu corridor, the other is examining a route through north Kashmir. Investigator are continuing to trace the source and intended distribution network behind the consignment. The allegations and arrests remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial proceeding.