Kashmir too fights narco-terror

Border security forces are busy fighting one more enemy, narco-terrorism, which has of late attained dangerous proportions. Last year, the BSF seized 165kg of heroin, 25kg of opium and 30kg of poppy husk from the international border in Punjab and Jammu sectors, way higher than 2007’s haul: 110kg of heroin, 10kg of poppy husk and 1kg of opium. Heroin costs Rs1 crore a kg in the international market.

The smugglers’ modus operandi is simple, says K Srinivasan, deputy IG of BSF (G-Branch), New Delhi headquarters.

The smugglers either throw the packets on this side of the international border or conceal it in the field. “They then call their contacts and ask them to collect the consignment from the location,” Srinivasan said. Most smugglers flee because security forces have no control on the Pakistani side.

NCB sources say Pakistan was trying hard to pump in drugs, fake currency and arms and ammunition into Jammu and Kashmir to keep the pot boiling.

Sources do not rule out a nexus between terrorists and narcotics smugglers, given that several militants have been arrested with huge haul of charas and banned drugs from different parts of the country.

In January 2002, the police arrested five persons, including two surrendered Hizbul Mujahideen militants with 20kg of charas in Phagwara. In May 2003, an active Al Jehad man was arrested in Delhi with 25 kg of charas.