Chandigarh, August 17, 2024 — In a decisive move against narcotics trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has detained prominent drug lords Akshay Chhabra and Jaspal Singh, known as Goldy, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act. This action, reported by the NCB’s Chandigarh Zonal Unit, aims to cripple their extensive drug smuggling network. Both individuals will be held in Dibrugarh, Assam, as the investigation progresses.
Chhabra and Goldy’s detention follows persistent criminal activities even while in custody, prompting additional First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This crackdown follows a significant operation on August 13, targeting another key figure in the drug trade, Balwinder Singh, alias Billa Havellian.
Akshay Chhabra, who was apprehended on November 24, 2022, at Jaipur International Airport while attempting to escape to Sharjah, UAE, has been identified as a major player in a large-scale drug trafficking ring based in Ludhiana. Investigations revealed that this syndicate was responsible for smuggling approximately 1,400 kg of heroin through various routes, including ICP Attari, Punjab, Mundra Sea Port, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir.
The NCB’s operation has also resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals connected to the drug syndicate, including traffickers and white-collar criminals. Significant seizures include around 40 kg of heroin, 0.557 kg of opium, 23.645 kg of suspected narcotics powder, and various weapons. Additionally, the bureau has dismantled two heroin processing facilities and frozen assets valued at over Rs 57 crore.
This ongoing effort reflects the NCB’s commitment to disrupting major drug operations and curbing the illegal narcotics trade in the region.