Jammu : Security and law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and launched a widespread search operation across Jammu following the alleged escape of a suspected heroin trafficker from the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

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 officials allegedly recovered 522 grams of heroin from his possession during the interception of a passenger bus in Samba district.
According to officials, Bashir allegedly escaped from NCB custody in the Narwal area of Jammu during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.

Following the reported escape, an alert was circulated among police and other security agencies, prompting intensified checking and search operations at several strategic locations.

Security personnel have increased vehicle checking and frisking at checkpoints across the city, while dedicated teams have been deployed to identify possible hideouts and escape routes.

Investigators are also examining the movements of the accused following his alleged escape to ascertain the route he may have taken and whether he received assistance from any person.

The arrest is reportedly part of a broader NCB investigation into heroin trafficking networks operating in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the month long investigation had identified two suspected routes through which heroin was allegedly being brought into the region. One route reportedly involved the movement of narcotics from Pakistan through the Uri sector, while another allegedly passed through Punjab.

In four separate interceptions conducted over the past month, along with a related recovery in Punjab, the NCB reportedly seized 6.920 kilograms of heroin and arrested six persons.

Following the alleged escape, security has been further tightened across Jammu and adjoining areas, particularly along major roads, entry and exit points, checkpoints and other strategically important locations.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances in which Bashir allegedly escaped, nor have they confirmed whether any person has been detained in connection with the incident.

The NCB Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies are continuing coordinated efforts to trace and apprehend the accused. Investigations into the alleged custody breach and the wider narcotics trafficking network are also underway.

Report By – Mudasir Maqbool