In a major breakthrough against the drug peddlers, the Special Task Force (STF), Karnal, has busted an alleged inter-state drug trafficking network operating across Haryana, Punjab and other parts of North India.

Four members of the gang, including a woman, have been arrested so far, and police have seized 20 kg of opium valued at over Rs 70 lakh, Rs 92,000 in cash and a truck used for transporting the contraband, one SUV, and six mobile phones.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohbir Rehman, of Assam, Arjun Minali, of Manipur, Maninder Kaur, of Amritsar, who is presently residing in Ambala; and Mohammad Munna, of Bihar, said Probationer Sub-Inspector (PSI), Ankit Tanwar, who is investigating officer of the case.

Giving further details, he said the operation began on July 1, when the STF intercepted a truck at Pehowa and arrested Mohbir Rehman with 20 kg of opium. A case was registered at the Sadar Police Station Pehowa, after which the accused was produced before a court and remanded to 10 days of police custody.

During interrogation, Mohbir allegedly disclosed the role of other members of the gang. Acting on his inputs, the STF arrested Arjun Minali on July 2. Arjun was a key supplier who allegedly supplied narcotics to the network. He was taken on seven days’ police remand for further questioning, he added.

The STF arrested Maninder Kaur on July 5. She, along with other gang members, was actively involved in supplying drugs across Haryana, Punjab and several parts of North India. She was taken on four days of police remand, said the IO.

The fourth accused, Mohammad Munna, was subsequently arrested from Bihar on July 7. Police suspect he played a crucial role in the supply chain of the narcotics racket. He is currently on police remand till July 18, and police are questioning him to identify other members of the network and trace the other members of the gang.

After completion of their remand periods, Mohbir Rehman, Arjun Minali and Maninder Kaur were produced before a court on Friday and sent to judicial custody, he maintained.