Kangra Police have successfully dismantled an interstate drug cartel responsible for heroin smuggling across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab as part of a special anti-narcotics campaign dubbed ‘Operation Naya Savera’. The operation led to the apprehension of 16 individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of heroin.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the crackdown resulted in the confiscation of 167.18 grams of heroin, also known as ‘chitta’, a goods carrier vehicle, and 14 electronic devices. The police also uncovered financial transactions linked to the cartel, estimated to be worth nearly ₹80 lakh. Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan stated that the network was allegedly led by Abhishek Sahota from Jalandhar, Punjab. Sahota is accused of orchestrating a well-organized distribution chain that supplied heroin to various parts of Kangra district, utilising a network of couriers and local distribution points.
Sophisticated Modus Operandi Uncovered
Investigations revealed that the drug cartel had established eight distinct distribution hubs within the Kangra district to ensure a consistent supply of heroin to consumers. The group employed a sophisticated method for their operations, which involved placing drug consignments at pre-determined locations. The coordinates of these locations, along with accompanying video recordings, were then electronically transmitted. The financial aspects of the operation were managed through multiple bank accounts and QR-code transactions, with payments also being routed through Lok Mitra Kendras, apparently to obfuscate the money trail.
Operation Naya Savera: Phased Approach
The operation, ‘Operation Naya Savera’, was executed in distinct phases. The initial phase commenced on May 24, when teams from the CIA Kangra and Police Station Palampur conducted coordinated raids. These actions led to the registration of a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act case and the initial recovery of 16.06 grams of heroin. Five individuals were arrested during this first phase, including the alleged kingpin Abhishek Sahota, along with Mohit Sahota alias Harman, Sumit alias Shiva Aditya, Ritik, and Priya.
Further diligent investigation by the police helped in identifying additional drug distribution points. In the second phase of the operation, law enforcement agencies recovered another 16.36 grams of heroin. A goods carrier vehicle was also seized during this phase, and Kamvaljeet Kaushik was arrested. Police records indicate that Kaushik had a prior conviction under the NDPS Act and was out on bail granted by the Supreme Court.
The third and final phase of the operation, which took place between May 30 and June 2, resulted in the arrest of ten more individuals and the recovery of a substantial quantity of 135 grams of heroin. The individuals apprehended in this phase were identified as Harshit, Lakhwinder Singh alias Tinku, Nisha, Ankur Kunal Singh, Sudhanshu Rangra, Parik, Shubham Kaundal, Apoorva Dhiman, Shivanshu Dhiman, and Eshaan Sharma. Many of the accused apprehended in these operations have existing criminal records related to drug offenses under the NDPS Act.
Financial Trail and Future Investigations
Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan further elaborated on the financial aspects of the cartel’s operations, stating that the police have traced suspicious financial transactions amounting to approximately ₹39 lakh since January of the current year. The total amount traced over the past year is estimated to be nearly ₹80 lakh. These financial trails are crucial in understanding the full extent of the cartel’s network and their earnings.
Three separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at Police Station Palampur in connection with the ongoing case. The investigation is continuing with a focus on identifying other members associated with Sahota’s network. Authorities are also working to trace the proceeds of the crime and initiate proceedings for the attachment and freezing of illegally acquired assets, in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act. The comprehensive approach aims to disrupt the drug trade and dismantle such criminal networks operating within the region.
The Chenab Times News Desk