Narcotics Control Bureau, Chandigarh Zonal Unit launched a special drive against an international drug syndicate with a hub in Punjab. Investigations have revealed that the network busted had common linkages to Shaheen Bagh & Muzaffarnagar cases booked by NCB in April 2022.
It is recapitulated that on 15.11.2022, Narcotics Control Bureau Chandigarh Zonal Unit busted an international heroin syndicate having a hub in the Ludhiana district of Punjab and seized 20.326 Kgs Heroin from conscious possession of Sandeep Singh r/o Ludhiana, Punjab.
During the follow-up raids/searches Narcotics Control Bureau Chandigarh Unit completely busted the entire chain of this international drug syndicate operating from Ludhiana, Punjab including 02 clandestine labs where the processing of heroin was done by Afghan Nationals. This operation was fuelled by inter-agency cooperation & various central agencies including various Zones of NCB and Counter Intelligence Punjab Police played a crucial role in this operation. Further in this operation NIDAAN (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders) & ICJS (Inter-operable Criminal Justice System) were extensively used to trace the accused/members of this international drug syndicate.
During the investigation, NCB-Chandigarh busted two Heroin processing labs in the heart of Punjab i.e. Ludhiana which were being operated by Afghan Nationals, who have also been arrested.
As this international drug syndicate is spread across various countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc., and different states across India, a special investigation team under Amanjit Singh, Zonal Director, NCB-Chandigarh has been formed & includes Investigating Officers from various NCB Zones. Specialized Financial Investigation & Technical Investigation teams have also been formed in this case. More than 60 Bank Accounts relating to this group have been debit freeze and freezing orders under NDPS Act, 1985 are under consideration.