Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 29: Police in Baramulla today busted a heroin smuggling network and seized 2.7 kg of heroin worth Rs 20 crores. Three key figures involved in the smuggling ring were also arrested.
Authorities stated that, acting on credible intelligence, a police team detained Nazim Din, son of Alim Din Tass from Zamboor Pattan Uri, during a surprise checkpoint at NHW Khanpora on October 21, 2024.
“Upon search, officers found 519 grams of heroin concealed in a polythene bag under his armpit,” police said.
During initial questioning, Nazim disclosed his involvement in drug trafficking, allegedly under the influence of an unknown individual from Downtown Srinagar referred to as “Mir Sb.”
According to his statement, he and his associate, Waqar Ahmad Khawaja, son of Abdul Rouf Khawaja from Tangdhar, Kupwara, received a consignment of heroin on October 17, 2024, from a woman near Noora Hospital in Srinagar.
“The duo used a Maruti Ertiga vehicle with registration number JK09D-5822, owned by Waqar, to transport the contraband from Srinagar to Handwara, distributing the drugs among local associates,” police said.
Following this lead, police, with assistance from a magistrate, apprehended Waqar Ahmad near Handwara Bye-Pass crossing along with his vehicle and seized another bag of heroin weighing 475 grams from the car’s boot.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a third accomplice, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, from Marathgam, Handwara, on October 27, 2024.
“Upon his arrest, a search of his residence uncovered four additional packets of heroin (1,701 grams) concealed in his wardrobe,” police reported.
According to the authorities, the seized vehicle used to transport the drugs has been confiscated, and all suspects are currently under police remand.
The investigation is going on to identify other members of the network, police said.
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