Four interceptions in Jammu Division within a month; 6.920 kg heroin seized; latest Samba operation leads investigators to Ludhiana

REPORTER: RAJAT VOHRA | JAMMU
Jammu, September 5, 2026: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu Zonal Unit, has uncovered what investigators describe as two distinct heroin supply channels feeding Jammu & Kashmir—one allegedly originating in Pakistan and entering through the Uri sector, and another operating through the Punjab–J&K corridor.

In a sustained intelligence-led crackdown over roughly a month, the NCB has carried out four heroin interceptions in the Jammu Division, with a linked follow-up operation in Punjab. The combined seizures have totalled 6.920 kg of heroin.

Significantly, enforcement teams also took the crackdown into drug-affected bastis, targeting locations allegedly being exploited for storage, distribution and movement of narcotics.

🔴 LATEST SAMBA SEIZURE LEADS NCB TO LUDHIANA

The latest breakthrough came on September 3, when NCB officials intercepted a passenger bus near the New Bus Stand in Samba.

During the operation, officials recovered 522 grams of heroin from Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.

Rather than stopping at the arrest and seizure, investigators immediately began tracing the backward linkage of the consignment to identify where the narcotics had originated.

The investigation subsequently led the NCB to Ludhiana in Punjab, where a follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of another 197 grams of heroin.

The linked Samba–Ludhiana operation has so far resulted in the seizure of 719 grams of heroin.

Investigators are now working to establish the complete chain, including the source of the consignment, its intended recipients, transportation arrangements and other individuals allegedly associated with the network.

🇵🇰 EARLIER 5.160-KG HAUL EXPOSED PAKISTAN–URI ROUTE

The latest Punjab-linked operation comes shortly after one of the NCB Jammu Zonal Unit’s biggest recent heroin seizures—a 5.160-kg haul.

According to the investigation, that consignment was allegedly sourced from Pakistan and brought into Jammu & Kashmir through the Uri sector.

The NCB did not stop with the initial seizure. Investigators followed the suspected supply chain beyond the point where the narcotics were recovered and eventually traced the alleged supplier to Leh, where the suspect was apprehended.

The investigation has consequently provided indications of a cross-border trafficking channel, with the narcotics allegedly entering J&K from Pakistan before being moved further through the region.

🛣️ TWO ROUTES, ONE TARGET: J&K’S DRUG MARKET

The investigations have now highlighted two apparently different trafficking channels.

The first route:
Pakistan → Uri sector → Jammu & Kashmir

The second route:
Punjab → Jammu & Kashmir

While the routes are different, investigators are examining whether the networks have connections at other levels, including suppliers, financiers, transporters, local distributors and intended recipients.

The latest Samba seizure and subsequent Ludhiana recovery have provided investigators with another interstate link to pursue.

🏚️ NCB TAKES CRACKDOWN INTO DRUG-AFFECTED BASTIS

The NCB’s operations have also focused on areas identified as drug-affected bastis, rather than limiting enforcement to major transport routes.

Two separate operations in the Jammu–Samba belt resulted in the recovery of 438 grams and 603 grams of heroin, respectively.

The seizures indicate that enforcement agencies are increasingly targeting the local distribution infrastructure through which narcotics can reach end users.

This approach is aimed at disrupting trafficking networks closer to their points of storage and distribution, while simultaneously tracing their links to larger interstate and cross-border suppliers.

📊 6.920 KG HEROIN SEIZED IN LINKED OPERATIONS

The cumulative seizure from the operations stands at:

  • 5.160 kg — major Jammu operation linked by investigators to the Pakistan–Uri route
  • 603 grams — recovery during a separate operation in a drug-affected basti
  • 438 grams — recovery during another basti operation
  • 522 grams — latest seizure from a passenger bus in Samba
  • 197 grams — follow-up recovery in Ludhiana

TOTAL: 6.920 KG OF HEROIN

The cumulative seizure reflects a sustained enforcement effort rather than a single isolated interception.

🔎 FROM CARRIERS TO THE ENTIRE NETWORK

The NCB’s investigation strategy is now focused on going beyond individual carriers.

Investigators are attempting to trace every stage of the trafficking chain—from the source and suppliers to financiers, transporters, local handlers and intended recipients.

The Pakistan–Uri investigation, which was pursued up to Leh, and the latest Samba investigation, which led investigators into Ludhiana, demonstrate the agency’s focus on backward and interstate linkages.

The objective is to identify and dismantle the broader networks rather than merely recover narcotics from individual couriers.

💰 FINANCIAL AND INTERSTATE LINKS UNDER SCANNER

Further investigation is expected to examine the financial trail associated with the consignments, including who funded the purchases, who arranged transportation and who was expected to receive and distribute the heroin.

Investigators are also looking into possible wider interstate and cross-border connections.

The findings could help establish whether the two identified routes are completely separate networks or whether they share common handlers, financiers or distribution channels.

📞 NCB APPEALS FOR PUBLIC COOPERATION

The NCB has appealed to members of the public to provide information concerning the sale, storage, transportation or trafficking of narcotic drugs.

Information can be shared through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline at 1933, with the agency stating that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.

⚡ CRACKDOWN ON J&K’S DRUG SUPPLY CHAIN

The latest operations underline the changing nature of the narcotics challenge facing Jammu & Kashmir, with investigators now tracking suspected supply chains across international borders, interstate corridors and local distribution networks.

From the alleged Pakistan–Uri route to the Punjab–J&K corridor, the NCB’s recent operations have resulted in 6.920 kg of heroin being seized and multiple suspects being apprehended.

The investigation, however, is still underway—and the focus now shifts from the seized consignments to the larger networks behind them.