Phagwara (near Jalandhar), October 21: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 5.6 kg of heroin and arrested four persons in an intelligence-led operation in Phagwara, according to the DRI's own official release (issued via the Press Information Bureau and reported on October 23).

Acting on specific intelligence about narcotics being moved by individuals travelling on a public transport bus, DRI officers mounted surveillance in the Phagwara area, intercepted the bus and identified four passengers as suspects. A personal search under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 recovered five packets wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, concealed in a backpack kept on the lap of one suspect; each of the five packets contained two smaller packets, ten in total. Field testing of all ten packets returned positive results for heroin — commonly known as “chitta” in Punjab. The 5.6 kg contraband was seized and all four were arrested under the NDPS Act.

A note on status: The four men's alleged involvement in transporting and possessing the contraband is the DRI's allegation at arrest. They have not been convicted, and no court finding exists. The DRI release does not name the four, state the bus's route, or identify the consignment's origin, and it does not link the seizure to any cross-border network.

The release notes that for a commercial quantity, Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act prescribes rigorous imprisonment of 10–20 years and a fine of Rs 1–2 lakh, with provision for a higher fine.

Why it matters: The seizure shows drug movement in Punjab is not confined to border drone routes — ordinary public buses are also being used as carriers, and in a commercial quantity of 5.6 kg. Where the consignment came from and where it was headed is the real question in this case, and no official statement has answered it yet.

What is verified (per the DRI's official release): the October 21 bus interception at Phagwara, the recovery of 5.6 kg of heroin in ten packets, and the four arrests. What remains allegation: the four men's involvement in transportation and possession — an arrest-stage allegation, yet to be tested in court.