Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
A suspected drug peddler allegedly escaped from the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Jammu during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, prompting security agencies to intensify search and checking operations across the region, according to media reports.
The accused has been identified as Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama district. He was arrested by the NCB on September 3 after 522 grams of heroin was allegedly recovered from his possession aboard a passenger bus in Samba district.
Following his reported escape from NCB custody at Narwal, police and other security agencies intensified frisking and vehicle-checking operations at key entry and exit points to prevent the accused from leaving the region.
Search teams have been deployed at multiple locations to trace Bashir, while authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding his alleged escape and reviewing security arrangements at the time of the incident.
Bashir’s arrest was reportedly made during a month-long NCB operation in the Jammu division targeting suspected narcotics trafficking networks. According to the reports, the operation identified two routes allegedly being used by smugglers to bring heroin into Jammu and Kashmir.
One route reportedly involved direct smuggling from Pakistan through the Uri sector, while another allegedly involved the movement of narcotics through Punjab before entering Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies have stepped up surveillance and checking measures as efforts continue to locate the accused. Further details regarding the circumstances of the escape and the ongoing search operation are awaited.
