In a significant breakthrough that underscores the growing menace of cross-border narcotics networks, the Himachal Pradesh Police have dismantled an international drug racket operating out of Nurpur with strong links to Dubai. The police arrested six individuals and seized ₹1.2 crore in cash, nearly 2 kilograms of gold, and silver jewellery, while also freezing five bank accounts containing over ₹52 lakh. This operation marks a decisive step in the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking that has been ravaging the region and endangering the lives of its youth.
According to law enforcement officials, the epicenter of this drug syndicate is Bhadroya in the Damtal police jurisdiction. At the heart of this network are Lakhvinder Singh and his son Vishal, alias Shallu, both natives of Bhadroya. Vishal had earlier been arrested in February 2023 with over 1 kilogram of heroin and cash amounting to ₹1.04 crore. Despite the serious nature of the charges, he was granted bail by the state high court during the trial. However, soon after being released, he absconded and reportedly fled to Dubai. From there, he allegedly resumed his involvement in the drug trade, directing operations remotely while his father continued to build a robust interstate and international drug supply chain.
The case began to unravel in October last year when police apprehended a suspect from Chheharta in Amritsar with 262 grams of heroin. The subsequent investigation under the NDPS Act revealed a much larger and more dangerous operation than initially imagined. Interrogations and intelligence gathering led to the arrest of several key players over the past week, marking a coordinated and state-wide response to the threat of drug trafficking.
Among the significant arrests was that of Raj Kumar, alias Sethi, who already had multiple cases under the NDPS and Arms Acts. His capture on April 13 was a turning point, leading investigators closer to the core of the syndicate. The police then traced the massive proceeds of the drug business to a goldsmith in Pathankot, Gagan Sarna, who was allegedly safeguarding large sums of money and jewellery for the accused kingpins. A police raid on April 16 at his residence uncovered ₹1.15 crore in cash and 1.25 kilograms of gold ornaments. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of a juvenile aide and recovery of additional cash and precious metals, pointing to a well-oiled criminal infrastructure embedded in everyday business circles.
The seizure of such large quantities of drugs, cash, and valuables is a testament not only to the scale of the narcotics trade in the region but also to the tireless efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Police and associated enforcement agencies. The authorities have highlighted how the drug racket had begun to infiltrate local communities and manipulate the youth, offering them quick money and destroying countless lives in the process.
This crackdown comes amid increasing concerns over the widespread drug abuse problem in North India. Once considered a transit point, states like Himachal Pradesh have seen a sharp rise in narcotics consumption and trafficking in recent years. The nexus between local operators and international handlers has made the situation more complex, requiring a multi-agency approach and global cooperation. The use of financial conduits, shell accounts, and trusted intermediaries has also made tracing illicit funds more challenging.
However, with the recent success in Nurpur and the growing resolve of state agencies, there is renewed hope that the tide may be turning. The police have reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and assured the public that every effort will be made to dismantle such networks permanently. The state government, too, has pledged its support to rehabilitation efforts, while enhancing surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and law enforcement capabilities across vulnerable zones.
As Himachal Pradesh grapples with the socio-economic fallout of drug abuse, stories like this highlight both the enormity of the challenge and the determination of the state machinery to fight back. The latest bust is not just a legal success—it’s a signal to traffickers that the fight against drugs is intensifying, and there will be no safe haven for those who exploit the lives of the innocent for profit.
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