In a major breakthrough against drug peddlers, the Special Task Force (STF), Karnal, has busted an alleged interstate drug trafficking network operating across Haryana, Punjab and other parts of north India. Four members of the gang, including a woman, have been arrested and 20 kg of opium worth over Rs 70 lakh has been seized.

The STF has also recovered Rs 92,000 in cash, the truck used to transport the contraband, an SUV and six mobile phones.

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

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 in Pehowa, following which he was produced before a court and remanded to 10-day 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. The police said Arjun was a key supplier who supplied narcotics to the gang. He was taken on seven days police remand for further questioning, he added.

The STF arrested Maninder Kaur on July 5. According to police officials, she was actively involved in supplying drugs across Haryana, Punjab and several other parts of north India. She was remanded to four days of police custody.

The fourth accused, Mohammad Munna, was subsequently arrested from Bihar on July 7. The police suspect he played a key role in the supply chain of the narcotics racket. He has been sent to 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.