Two Punjab Men Arrested with 6.8 kg Poppy Husk; Crackdown on Illegal Mining Intensifies in Kangra

Dharamsala, June 18, 2026: Police have arrested two persons and recovered 6.802 kilograms of poppy husk during a routine patrol and vehicle-checking operation in Kangra district.
According to SP Dehra, Mayank Chaudhary, a team from Rakkar Police Station was conducting patrol and traffic-checking duties near Kolapur on Thursday when officers intercepted a truck on suspicion. During a lawful search of the vehicle, police recovered 6 kg 802 grams of poppy husk concealed inside.
The accused have been identified as Sukhdev Singh (31), resident of Atari village, Amritsar district, Punjab and Harpreet Singh (36), resident of Dhyanpura village, Kharar tehsil, Rupnagar district, Punjab.
A case has been registered at Rakkar Police Station under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Both accused have been arrested, while the truck used in the transportation of the contraband has been seized.
SP Chaudhary said that efforts are underway to trace the source of the recovered narcotic substance and determine its intended destination. Investigators are also examining possible links to a wider drug trafficking network and identifying other individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Meanwhile, police in Nurpur district have intensified their drive against illegal mining, taking action against 22 vehicles during the past 24 hours.
SP Nurpur Kulbhushan Verma said that police teams conducted special checkpoints and surprise inspections across various sub-divisions, border rivulets, and other sensitive areas. During the operation, strict action was taken under the Mining Act against vehicles found involved in illegal mining and transportation of minerals.
At Jawali Police Station, three multi-axle trucks carrying illegally mined material without valid documents or mandatory transit permits (X-Forms) were impounded, while seven tractors engaged in illegal mining activities were challaned.
Similarly, Damtal Police Station booked one multi-axle truck and two tractors for unauthorized transportation of minerals. Nurpur Police Station took action against three tractors involved in illegal mining, while Fatehpur Police Station challaned two tractors. At Indora, police booked two tractors and one multi-axle truck, and Rehan Police Station challaned one tractor for violations under the Mining Act.
SP Verma said that all 17 tractors were fined on the spot as per legal provisions, while five multi-axle trucks were impounded and their cases referred to the competent court for further legal proceedings.
He reiterated that the district police will continue its strict campaign against illegal mining and the illicit transportation of minerals to protect natural resources and ensure compliance with the law.