Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 22: Security forces across multiple districts of Jammu region have intensified their crackdown on drug trafficking under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in Jammu region, leading to several arrests, recoveries of heroin and demolition of illegal assets linked to narcotics trade.
In Janipur, police arrested two individuals, Abhinandan Sharma of Lakkar Mandi and Rajat Kumar of New Plot, after a patrol team spotted them moving suspiciously near the Matador Stop in the forest area of Lakkar Mandi.
The duo allegedly attempted to flee on seeing the police, but were apprehended after a brief chase. During the search, officials recovered approximately 12 grams of heroin-like substance from their possession. A case under FIR No. 72/2026 has been registered at Janipur Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in Kishtwar, police arrested a notorious drug peddler, Rameez Raja alias Tarif Janda, along with his wife Nobia Begum from their residence in Sarkoot. Acting on specific inputs, a special team conducted a raid in the presence of a Magistrate under the supervision of senior officers.
During the operation, around 7.5 grams of heroin-like substance and ?87,000 in cash were recovered. Both accused were arrested on the spot, and a case under FIR No. 113/2026 has been registered at Police Station Kishtwar.
In Reasi district, police achieved a major breakthrough during a routine hotel checking drive in Katra on May 21. Two persons-Rakesh Kumar from Nagrota and Manjeet Kaur from Amritsar, Punjab-were apprehended from a lodge.
Manjeet Kaur has been identified as an interstate drug smuggler. Approximately 2.5 grams of heroin along with incriminating material was recovered from them.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a third accused, Varinder Singh of Mari, Reasi, who was allegedly attempting to purchase the contraband. Police recovered Rs 26,730 in cash from his possession. A case under FIR No. 157/2026 has been registered at Police Station Katra, and further investigation is ongoing to trace the network.
In a separate action in Udhampur, police, in coordination with the district administration, demolished an illegally constructed property worth lakhs belonging to a habitual offender, Tarlochan Dutt of Samroli, Chenani.
The property, built on encroached state land along NH-44, was reportedly raised using proceeds from drug trafficking. The demolition was carried out as part of efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of narco-criminals.
Additionally, Udhampur Police secured court orders from the JMIC Majalta for the disposal of four vehicles seized in multiple NDPS cases linked to Police Station Majalta. The vehicles will be auctioned as per legal procedures, and the proceeds will be deposited in the Government Treasury pending final court decisions.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to eradicating drug menace from the region and warned that strict action will continue against those involved in narcotics trade.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
