Ludhiana, June 13: In a major blow to narcotics trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ludhiana Zonal Unit, seized nearly 10 kg of heroin valued at around Rs 19.90 crore in the illicit market after a high-speed chase on the outskirts of Ludhiana.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officers mounted surveillance in the area to intercept a vehicle suspected of transporting narcotic drugs. At around 11 am on June 12, when officials attempted to stop the vehicle, its occupant tried to flee, triggering a high-speed pursuit.
The vehicle was eventually intercepted by DRI teams. During a search, officers recovered 18 packets of heroin concealed inside a brown backpack kept in the trunk of the car. They also seized Indian currency amounting to Rs 1,64,500.
The recovered substance tested positive for heroin (commonly known as chitta) using a field-testing kit. The total weight of the contraband was found to be 9.948 kg.
The heroin, the vehicle used for trafficking, the backpack used for concealment, and the cash recovered have been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
One person travelling in the vehicle and allegedly carrying the contraband has been arrested under the NDPS Act. Further investigations are underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the seized narcotics and to identify other members of the trafficking network.