Drug peddler arrested in Hiranagar. KATHUA, AUGUST 22, 2025
A drug peddler arrested Hiranagar – In a significant blow to the narcotics trade in the border region, the Jammu & Kashmir Police in Kathua successfully intercepted and arrested a suspected drug peddler, recovering 8.45 grams of a heroin-like substance, commonly known as ‘Chitta,’ on Thursday.
The operation, a testament to the police’s vigilant stance against drug trafficking, unfolded near the Tarnah Bridge in the Hiranagar area, underscoring the ongoing challenges and determined efforts to secure the region from the scourge of illicit drugs.
The Operation: A Routine Naka Turns Decisive | drug peddler arrested Hiranagar
The breakthrough occurred on the evening of August 21, 2025. Acting on a strategic plan to curb suspicious movement and illegal activities, a dedicated police team from Police Station Hiranagar sprang into action.
The team, led by Inspector Ashish Sharma and operating under the close supervision of SP Operations Mukund Tibrewal IPS and SDPO Border Dheeraj Katoch, established a routine checkpoint (naka) at Chakra, a location near the strategic Tarnah Bridge.
Their vigilance paid off when they observed an individual moving in a furtive and suspicious manner. The police party promptly stopped him for questioning. The man was identified as Ranja, son of Nashar Din, a resident of Sunkhal currently living in Chann Khatrian, Tehsil Hiranagar.
A subsequent personal search revealed the shocking find: 8.45 grams of a pale, off-white powder suspected to be the deadly narcotic ‘Chitta,’ a street name for heroin. The suspect was immediately taken into custody on the spot.
The Legal Repercussions: What the NDPS Act Entails drug peddler arrested Hiranagar
Following the arrest, a formal case was registered at Police Station Hiranagar under FIR Number 120/2025. The charges invoked are crucial sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985:
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Section 8: Prohibits any person from producing, possessing, selling, purchasing, or transporting any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
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Sections 21 & 22: Pertain specifically to punishment for contraventions in relation to manufactured drugs and psychotropic substances.
The NDPS Act is one of India’s strictest drug laws, carrying severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines, especially for quantities above a certain “commercial” threshold. The recovered contraband was seized following strict legal protocols to ensure the integrity of the evidence for a successful prosecution.
Understanding the Menace: What is ‘Chitta’? drug peddler arrested Hiranagar
The term ‘Chitta’ has become a dreaded name in Northern India, particularly in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. It is not a single chemical but a street term for a often-deadly cocktail of opioids. While it frequently refers to heroin (diacetylmorphine), it is often cut with (mixed with) other potent and highly dangerous synthetic opioids like fentanyl or toxic adulterants such as white powder, chalk, or even paracetamol.
This unpredictable mixing makes Chitta exceptionally dangerous. Users can never be sure of its potency or composition, leading to a dramatically high risk of fatal overdoses and severe, rapid addiction. Its low cost compared to pure heroin has made it accessible, ensnaring youth from various socio-economic backgrounds and tearing apart families and communities.
The Bigger Picture: J&K’s War on Drugs drug peddler arrested Hiranagar
This arrest is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger, concerted campaign championed by the Jammu & Kashmir Police against the narcotics trade. The mention of the operation being conducted under the “overall supervision of SSP Kathua, Sh. Shobhit Saksena IPS,” highlights a top-down, strategic approach to the problem.
For a region like Kathua, which shares an international border, intercepting drug supply chains is also a critical national security measure. The proceeds of drug trafficking are often linked to funding other illegal and anti-national activities. By targeting peddlers at the ground level, police aim to dismantle these networks from the bottom up, gathering intelligence to “trace the source and linkages of the narcotic supply,” as mentioned in the press release.
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A Continuous Battle drug peddler arrested Hiranagar
The arrest of a single peddler with 8.45 grams of contraband is a victory, but it is a single battle in a long war. It demonstrates the commitment of the local police force but also serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenge.
The true success lies not only in seizures and arrests but also in robust community policing, rehabilitation programs for addicts, and awareness campaigns to prevent drug abuse, especially among the youth. The J&K police’s action is a critical first line of defense, protecting the social fabric of the region from this pervasive threat.
As the investigation in this case progresses, the public can expect the police to follow the trail to uncover the broader network behind this illicit trade. This operation stands as a clear message: the law will pursue those who profit from poisoning society.