November 12, 2025
Webhead / Chandigarh
In a major breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu Zonal Unit, has dismantled a notorious inter-state network involved in the trafficking of poppy straw. The operation, executed with the support of Kapurthala Police and NCB Amritsar, has led to the arrest of the main receiver, Lakhwinder Singh of Kapurthala, Punjab, and recovery of 12.878 kg of poppy straw from his car.
According to NCB , the arrest on November 12 came as part of a follow-up action in Crime No. CR-10/2025, which initially began with a massive seizure of 221.97 kg of poppy straw on October 2. The contraband was cleverly concealed in apple boxes loaded on a truck (JK22A1016) originating from the Kashmir Valley. Two carriers, Khursheed Ahmad Mir and Mubashir Ahmad of Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, were arrested on the spot, and the truck was seized.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the supplier of the seized consignment was Abdul Hamid Chopan of Anantnag, who was arrested in a follow-up action on November 8.
Continuing the probe, NCB Jammu teams tracked down the wanted receiver Lakhwinder Singh, who was under discreet surveillance. He was intercepted on November 12 in his vehicle (PB10CQ9797), from which 12.878 kg of poppy straw was recovered. The car was seized on the spot.
Lakhwinder Singh, described as a notorious trafficker, has six NDPS cases registered against him, including FIR No. 200/2025 at Udhampur, where 30 kg of poppy straw was previously recovered from the same vehicle. He was reportedly out on bail when he resumed trafficking activities.
With the arrest of the supplier, carriers, and receiver, the NCB has effectively dismantled the entire supply chain in this case.
NCB also stated that the operation highlights “the increasing attempts by traffickers to transport narcotics from the Kashmir Valley to other states,” reaffirming the Bureau’s “unwavering resolve to act against drug traffickers with an iron hand.”
NCB Jammu Drug Trafficking Poppy Straw Seizure Lakhwinder Singh Arrest Inter state Network Kapurthala Anantnag NDPS Act Narcotics Crackdown Raid
