The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in continuation to its crackdown on narcotics trafficking has seized 5.6 kg heroin, and arrested four persons in an intelligence-led operation conducted on 21st October 2026 in Phagwara, near Jalandhar, Punjab.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of narcotic drugs by some individuals travelling on a public transport bus, officers of DRI mounted a surveillance in the Phagwara area and intercepted a bus and four suspected individuals travelling as passengers were identified by the DRI team.
A personal search conducted in accordance with the provision of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, led to the recovery of five packets wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, concealed in a backpack kept on the lap of one of the suspects. Each of the five packets contained two smaller packets, making a total of ten packets. Field testing of the substance in all ten packets yielded positive results for Heroin, also commonly known as Chitta in Punjab. The total of 5.6 kg contraband was recovered, and was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and all four persons allegedly involved in the transportation and possession of the contraband were arrested under the Act.
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that depresses the central nervous system and carries a serious risk of dependence, respiratory depression, overdose and death. In India, it is a prohibited narcotic drug regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985. Unauthorised possession, trafficking, transport or sale attracts stringent penalties; for a commercial quantity, Section 21(c) prescribes rigorous imprisonment of 10–20 years and a fine of Rs. 1–2 lakh, with provision for a higher fine.
This significant seizure in Punjab underscores DRI’s sustained efforts to disrupt narcotics supply chains, and bring those involved in the trafficking of illicit narcotics to justice.