Heroin Supplier from Punjab Arrested in Manali, Police Investigate Drug Network

Kullu, March 27: In a significant crackdown on drug smuggling, Manali police arrested a major drug supplier and his associate, further intensifying the efforts to combat illegal drug trade in Himachal Pradesh. The arrests came after a successful operation by the local police in the 16-mile area, where they seized heroin from the possession of an individual, leading them to uncover a broader drug supply network.

On the evening of March 26, police personnel were on routine patrol when they apprehended Kamal Kapil (32), a resident of Mohal, Bhuntar, who was found in possession of 34 grams of heroin. The police immediately conducted a thorough interrogation of the accused, which led to a major breakthrough. Kamal Kapil revealed that he had procured the drugs from a supplier named Shankar Nahar (33), a resident of Ludhiana, Punjab.

Acting swiftly on this crucial lead, the police formed a specialized team and carried out an operation to track down Shankar Nahar. Their efforts paid off when Nahar was arrested in the parking lot of a hotel in Bhuntar, where he had come to meet someone. Upon searching his vehicle, the police discovered 56 grams of heroin hidden inside the car.

The police have now taken both Kamal Kapil and Shankar Nahar into custody and have registered a case against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. DSP Manali, KD Sharma, confirmed the arrests and stated that further investigation was underway to determine the full extent of the drug smuggling operation.

“The arrest of Shankar Nahar is a crucial part of our ongoing campaign against drug trafficking in the region. We are now working to identify the source of the heroin and uncover the network behind its distribution,” DSP Sharma said. He emphasized that breaking down the drug trade in Manali and surrounding areas was one of the police’s top priorities, as the region has seen a rise in drug-related crimes in recent years.

Manali, being a popular tourist destination, has become a hotspot for drug trafficking, with many individuals exploiting the influx of visitors to smuggle drugs. Local law enforcement has been intensifying its efforts to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and illegal drug trade in the region. Police suspect that the network may extend beyond the state borders, with connections to suppliers from other parts of India, including Punjab.

The police are now looking into where Shankar Nahar sourced the heroin from and whether he is connected to larger drug trafficking syndicates operating in and outside the state. They are also working to identify potential buyers and middlemen involved in the smuggling network. The police hope that the recent arrests will lead to further breakthroughs in the case.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking. In the wake of this operation, Manali police have reiterated their commitment to continue their fight against drugs and to protect the youth and communities from the dangers of substance abuse.

The case is expected to be further investigated in the coming days as the police continue to gather information and work to dismantle the drug network operating in the region.