THALOT (MANDI), June 3: Aut Police arrested a 39-year-old man from Kullu district after recovering 50 grams of heroin during a routine traffic check near Thalot on the Amritsar-Manali route, officials said Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Sandeep Kumar of Mohal village, Kullu, was travelling on a Volvo bus when his suspicious behavior drew the attention of police personnel. A search led to the recovery of heroin, following which a case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Confirming the arrest, Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma said the operation was carried out by ASI Rajan Singh and his team. Aut Police in-charge Karan Singh said law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The arrest adds to a growing list of recent drug seizures in the Kullu-Manali belt, which authorities say is being increasingly exploited by traffickers, particularly during peak tourist season. Recent cases include the recovery of 44.92 grams of heroin from a youth in Manali, 58 grams from two individuals near 16 Mile, and 24.70 grams from a 14-year-old in Prini.
Officials say the involvement of minors and the use of public transport for smuggling highlight the evolving tactics of drug peddlers in the region.
