Heroin worth ₹25 crore seized near LoC in Poonch; one suspect arrested in major NCB operation

A major anti-drug operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has led to the seizure of heroin worth more than ₹25 crore near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. Officials described it as one of the biggest drug recoveries along the LoC in recent years, highlighting the continuing challenge of cross-border narcotics smuggling.

The operation was carried out on Saturday in a forward village close to the LoC, where security agencies had been closely monitoring suspicious activity.

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Operation conducted in forward border village

According to officials, the heroin was recovered from village Kosalyain in Haveli tehsil, an area located near the Line of Control. The raid was the result of a carefully planned operation based on intelligence inputs gathered by the Narcotics Control Bureau.

Investigators believe the drugs had been smuggled into India from across the border. The consignment was reportedly intended to move deeper into the country through an organised network involved in cross-border drug trafficking.

The recovered heroin has an estimated international market value of more than ₹25 crore.

One suspected smuggler taken into custody

Officials confirmed that one suspected smuggler has been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation is now focused on identifying everyone involved in the operation.

Agencies are trying to trace the people who were supposed to receive the drug consignment, the handlers operating from across the border, and the local network that was expected to transport and distribute the heroin further into the country.

Officials said the investigation is still at an early stage and more arrests and recoveries are likely as the probe continues.

Cross-border smuggling remains a major security concern

Security agencies have repeatedly warned that Pakistan-based smugglers and their handlers continue to use border routes to send narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials, such drug smuggling operations are often linked with terror networks. The money earned from selling these narcotics is believed to be used for activities that threaten national security.

Intelligence agencies also believe that funds generated through cross-border drug trafficking, hawala money rackets, and other illegal financial activities eventually help sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.