The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 5.6 kilograms of heroin and arrested four persons in an intelligence-led operation in Phagwara, near Jalandhar, Punjab, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on October 23, 2026.
The operation was conducted on October 21 after DRI officers received specific intelligence about the suspected transportation of narcotic drugs by passengers travelling on a public transport bus.
Heroin Found Concealed in Backpack
- Acting on the intelligence, DRI officers kept surveillance in the Phagwara area and intercepted a bus. Four suspected individuals travelling as passengers were identified by the officers.
- During a personal search conducted under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, officers recovered a backpack kept on the lap of one of the suspects.
- The backpack contained five packets wrapped in yellow adhesive tape. Each packet contained two smaller packets, making a total of ten packets.
- Field tests of the substance in all ten packets returned positive results for heroin, also commonly known as chitta in Punjab. The total quantity recovered was 5.6 kilograms.
- The heroin was seized under the NDPS Act, and all four persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the possession and transportation of the contraband, according to the DRI.
Strict Action Against Drug Trafficking
- Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that can cause serious health consequences, including dependence, respiratory depression, overdose and death.
- In India, heroin trafficking and unauthorised possession are regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985. The law provides stringent penalties for offences involving commercial quantities of heroin.
- The DRI said the seizure reflects its continuing efforts to disrupt narcotics supply networks and bring those allegedly involved in drug trafficking to justice.
Investigation Continues
- The operation highlights the use of intelligence-led surveillance to detect suspected narcotics transportation through public transport networks.
- Further investigation is expected to establish the origin of the seized heroin, its intended destination and whether the arrested individuals were connected to a wider drug trafficking network.
- The allegations against the arrested persons remain subject to the legal process.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, press release dated October 23, 2026.
Business Galaxy: Reporting Facts. Shaping Futures.
