Associated News Bureau

ANTF Jammu Busts Inter-State Drug Syndicate, Seizes 750 Bottles of Codeine-Based Cough Syrup

Jammu, September 1: The Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Jammu has busted an alleged inter-state drug trafficking syndicate involved in the transportation and distribution of codeine-based cough syrup from Delhi to Jammu, recovering 750 bottles of the narcotic formulation during an operation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, ANTF Jammu registered FIR No. 06/2026 under Sections 8, 21, 22 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, at Police Station ANTF Jammu and initiated an investigation into the suspected trafficking network. As part of the operation, a sleeper bus operated by RK Holiday and travelling on the Delhi–Jammu route was intercepted in the Narwal area of Jammu. A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 750 bottles of Altorex-CD syrup, which had allegedly been concealed in the luggage compartment. Two persons identified as Swaran Singh, son of Shamsher Singh, a resident of Bari Brahmana, Samba, and Joginder Singh, son of Gulab Singh, a resident of Swankha Morh, Samba, were arrested in connection with the case. According to the preliminary investigation, the accused were allegedly procuring narcotic and psychotropic cough syrup from Delhi, transporting it to Jammu and supplying it to local youth at inflated prices. The ANTF said further investigation was underway to identify the wider network and establish its backward and forward linkages. More arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. The ANTF J&K reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug-trafficking networks and curbing the proliferation of narcotic substances in the Union Territory. It also appealed to the public to share credible information regarding drug trafficking and peddling with the police to facilitate timely legal action against those involved.