Backward linkages established in Billawar NDPS case; accused arrested from Kathua and Amritsar after coordinated operation
Kathua, September 10: In a significant breakthrough against the narcotics network operating across Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring states, Kathua Police have arrested two alleged inter-state drug suppliers and established their backward linkages in a case registered at Police Station Billawar.
The arrests were made during the ongoing investigation into FIR No. 89/2026 under Sections 8, 21, 22 and 29 of the NDPS Act. With the latest recoveries of 53 grams and 27 grams of heroin-like substance, the total recovery in the case has now increased to 515 grams.
The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma-IPS, as part of the district police’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan and War on Drugs initiative.
Two New Arrests in Follow-Up Investigation
Police said 435 grams of heroin-like substance had already been recovered in the case during the earlier stages of the investigation.
As investigators pursued the source of the narcotics, a police team from Police Station Billawar, led by the Station House Officer, began working on the suspected backward linkages of the drug supply chain.
The investigation reportedly took police teams to several locations in Kathua district, adjoining areas and Punjab.
According to Kathua Police, the operation involved a combination of technical assistance and human intelligence, allowing investigators to identify and locate individuals allegedly connected with the supply network.
53 Grams Recovered From Kathua Accused
During the operation, police apprehended Abinash Kumar, son of Dev Raj, a resident of Nangal, Tehsil Nagri, District Kathua.
Police said 53 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from his possession.
During questioning, Kumar allegedly disclosed information regarding another person suspected to be involved in the supply chain.
Based on the information obtained during the investigation, police identified Jagmohan Singh, son of Narinder Singh, a resident of the Taran Taar Road area of Amritsar, Punjab.
Second Accused Arrested in Amritsar
Following the lead, the police team extended its operation into Punjab and apprehended Jagmohan Singh.
Police said 27 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from his possession.
The two accused have subsequently been arrested in connection with the Billawar case, with investigators treating them as alleged backward-linkage suppliers.
The latest recoveries take the total quantity of heroin-like substance seized in FIR No. 89/2026 to 515 grams.
Recovery Breakdown
| Stage of investigation | Recovery |
|---|---|
| Earlier recovery | 435 grams |
| Abinash Kumar | 53 grams |
| Jagmohan Singh | 27 grams |
| Total | 515 grams |
Investigation Expands Beyond J&K
The arrests are significant because the investigation has now extended beyond the immediate locality of the original case.
Police said the search for the alleged backward linkages involved locations across Kathua and neighbouring areas as well as Punjab, highlighting the interstate dimension being examined by investigators.
The movement of narcotics across state boundaries presents a major challenge for law-enforcement agencies, as suppliers, couriers and distributors can operate from different jurisdictions.
In this case, Kathua Police said technical surveillance and human intelligence were used together to identify and apprehend the alleged suppliers.
The investigation is continuing to establish the complete chain behind the narcotics recovered in the case.
Police Maintain Zero-Tolerance Approach
Kathua Police said the latest arrests form part of its continuing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prevent narcotics from reaching vulnerable sections of society, particularly young people.
The district police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling, stating that sustained operations would continue against individuals involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
The police also stressed the importance of tracing not only those found in possession of drugs, but also the backward and forward linkages associated with each case.
Establishing backward linkages can help investigators identify the source of the narcotics, while further investigation may reveal additional intermediaries, suppliers or distribution networks.
Focus Now on Wider Network
With two alleged suppliers arrested and the total recovery reaching 515 grams, investigators are expected to examine the wider network associated with the case.
The arrests could provide police with further leads regarding the source, transportation and intended distribution of the recovered narcotics.
Further investigation in FIR No. 89/2026 is underway.
Key Points
- Two alleged inter-state drug suppliers arrested by Kathua Police.
- Arrests made as part of investigation into FIR No. 89/2026 at PS Billawar.
- Case registered under Sections 8/21/22/29 of the NDPS Act.
- 435 grams had already been recovered in the case.
- 53 grams recovered from Abinash Kumar of Kathua.
- 27 grams recovered from Jagmohan Singh of Amritsar.
- Total recovery now stands at 515 grams of heroin-like substance.
- Investigation involved locations in Kathua, adjoining areas and Punjab.
- Police used technical assistance and human intelligence to trace the alleged backward linkages.
- Further investigation is underway to establish the wider narcotics network.
The latest arrests underscore Kathua Police’s focus on moving beyond individual drug seizures to tracing the interstate supply chains and alleged suppliers operating behind the narcotics trade.