In a major breakthrough against cross-border narcotics smuggling, the sleuths of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) have busted heroin trafficking racket with the seizure of 7.858 kg heroin and the arrest of four accused, including a woman drug smuggler who allegedly involved her 15 years old juvenile son in the illegal trade.
The operation, carried out following specific intelligence inputs, also exposed the alleged links of the accused with a notorious Pakistan-based drug smuggler Shah Pathan, who was reportedly sending heroin consignments across the border.
Divulging details SSP Bhupinder Singh said a trap was laid near Ghall Khurd bus stand, two days ago where the two accused, Akashdeep Singh alias Akash (26), resident of Betu Qadim village in Mamdot area and Robin Kumar (25), resident of Panje Ke Uthar village in Guruharshahai area were intercepted.
During the checking, the police seized 1.536 kg heroin from their possession following which a case under the NDPS Act was registered at Ghall Khurd police station (FIR No. 62).
The SSP said during investigation, Robin Kumar disclosed that a large quantity of heroin had been concealed at his residence in Panje Ke Uthar village. Acting on the information, the police conducted a raid and recovered another 4.171 kg heroin from the house.
The investigation further led the police to a woman smuggler identified as Santosh Rani (33) of Sodhe Wala village, who was allegedly operating in coordination with the accused. The SSP said Santosh had even involved her juvenile son in the smuggling network and used him to assist in supply of drugs.
The SSP said a raid had been conducted at the residence of Satosh Rani at Sodhe Wala village during which 2.151 kg heroin along with a mobile phone, had been recovered. Santosh Rani and her 15-year-old son were subsequently detained by the police.
“The accused had received a consignment of nearly 10 kg heroin recently, out of which 7.858 kg has so far been recovered”, said SSP adding that efforts are underway to trace the remaining quantity and identify other members of the network.
The SSP further said preliminary investigation also indicates that the accused were in regular contact with Pakistan based smuggler Shah Pathan and used to receive heroin consignments through cross-border channels.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the backward and forward linkages of the racket.
