Kathua, March 14:
In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, the Jammu & Kashmir Police in Kathua recovered approximately 72.29 grams of heroin (chitta)–like narcotics from the Chak Shama area under Police Post Marheen (PS Rajbagh) and arrested another drug peddler in connection with an ongoing investigation.
According to police officials, the operation was conducted under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua Ms. Mohita Sharma (IPS) as part of the continued crackdown on the drug menace in the district.
The recovery was made on March 13, 2026, during the investigation of FIR No. 61/2026 registered under sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Rajbagh. Earlier in the case, police had arrested Bagh Hussain S/o Lal Din, resident of Mukandpur, Tehsil Marheen, District Kathua, and recovered 15.20 grams of heroin-like narcotics from his possession.
Acting on credible information about the movement of narcotics, a police team from Police Post Marheen laid a naka (checkpoint) at Chak Shama. During checking, the police intercepted a suspect identified as Sultan Ahmed S/o Mohd. Ali, resident of Chak Haria.
Upon conducting a search in accordance with legal provisions of the NDPS Act, the police recovered approximately 72.29 grams of heroin-like narcotic substance from his possession. The accused was immediately apprehended and the contraband was seized and sealed as per legal procedure.
Police officials stated that the accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway to establish both forward and backward linkages in the narcotics supply chain.
The recovery operation was carried out by a police team led by IC PP Marheen PSI Gulshan Partap Singh under the close supervision of:
SP Operations Kathua Sh. Mukund Tibrewal (IPS)
SDPO Border Sh. Dheeraj Katoch
SHO PS Rajbagh Insp. Sushil Sharma
Police officials also informed that a total of approximately 87.49 grams of heroin-like narcotics has been recovered so far in this case, and two drug peddlers have been arrested.
Kathua Police has urged the public to come forward and share any information related to drug trafficking or illegal activities. Citizens can contact the police on 112 or 9858034100, and their identity will be kept strictly confidential.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to continuing strict action against drug peddlers to make the district drug-free.