Kathua Police busts major drug network; one more peddler arrested, heroin recovered

Overall recovery reaches 369 grams of heroin-like narcotics; four accused arrested in ongoing investigation

Kathua: Continuing its relentless campaign against drug trafficking, J&K Police Kathua has busted a major narcotics network by arresting another drug peddler linked to an ongoing NDPS case and recovering approximately seven grams of heroin-like substance (chitta) from his possession.The action was carried out under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua, Mohita Sharma (IPS). The latest arrest is part of a wider investigation that has already led to the seizure of approximately 369 grams of heroin-like narcotics and ₹1 lakh in cash.

Police said that the case originated on October 20, 2025, when a naka was established by Police Station Lakhanpur near Lakhanpur. During checking, police intercepted two persons, Hanief Shah of Bhamberwan, Marheen, and Hasan Din of Pansar, Marheen, presently residing in Tarn Taran, Punjab, who were travelling on a motorcycle.

During the search, police recovered approximately 300 grams of heroin-like contraband, one Android mobile phone and vehicle keys. Both accused were arrested and a case under the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Lakhanpur.Subsequent investigation led to the identification of Gulzar Ahmed alias Dau, who had been evading arrest for nearly seven months. He was later apprehended from Punjab by a police team led by DySP DAR Kathua. Around 11 grams of heroin-like substance were recovered from his possession.

Acting on disclosures made by Gulzar Ahmed, police conducted a raid on May 12, 2026, at Government Primary School, Spral Pain, Marheen, in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. During the raid, 51 grams of heroin-like substance and ₹1 lakh cash were recovered. Investigators were informed that the contraband and cash allegedly belonged to Gulzar Ahmed’s brother, Farman Ali.

During further investigation, police arrested Farman Ali, son of Ashiq Ali, a resident of Spral Pain, Marheen, who had also been evading arrest despite repeated raids. Approximately seven grams of heroin-like substance were recovered from his possession.

Police said that four drug peddlers have so far been arrested in the case and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network, including both forward and backward linkages.Kathua Police has appealed to the public to share information regarding drug-related activities by contacting Police Helpline 112 or 9858034100, assuring complete confidentiality of informants.