Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 12: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Jammu Zonal Unit has successfully busted an inter-State drug trafficking network involved in smuggling poppy straw.
A statement issued by NCB Jammu said, acting on reliable inputs, 221.97 kg of poppy straw cleverly concealed in apple boxes were seized from a truck (JK22A-1016) on October 2.
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Accordingly, the two accused, identified as Khursheed Ahmad Mir and Mubashir Ahmad, both residents of Anantnag, were arrested on the spot, it said.
Based on their disclosure, the statement said, the main supplier, Abdul Hamid Chopan of Ranipora, Achabal, Anantnag, was arrested in a follow-up operation on November 8.
Continuing the investigation, the NCB Jammu, with the assistance of Kapurthala Police and NCB Amritsar, today arrested the wanted receiver, Lakhwinder Singh of Kapurthala, Punjab, it said.
“A search of his car (PB10CQ9797) led to the recovery of 12.878 kg of poppy straw. Accordingly, the car was also seized,” the statement said.
According to the NCB officials, Lakhwinder Singh is a notorious drug trafficker with six previous NDPS cases registered against him, including a recent one in Udhampur involving 30 kg of poppy straw.
He was out on bail when he resumed trafficking activities, officials said.
Pertinently, with the arrest of the supplier, carriers, and receiver, the NCB has effectively dismantled the entire network operating between Kashmir and Punjab.
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