Kathua, June 22: Police in Kathua have arrested two alleged drug peddlers and recovered approximately seven grams of heroin-like narcotic substance during a checkpoint operation in the Khanpur area of Rajbagh, officials said on Monday.

According to police, the operation was carried out following specific information received by the police regarding suspected narcotics movement in the area.
A police team established a checkpoint in Khanpur and intercepted a four-wheeler auto-rickshaw that was reportedly moving under suspicious circumstances. During the search, officers recovered approximately seven grams of heroin-like substance from the possession of two occupants of the vehicle, police said.
The accused were identified by police as Rana Singh, son of Malkeet Singh, and Arun Kangla, son of Tilak Raj, both residents of Janyal in Pathankot district.
Police said the recovered contraband was seized and the vehicle allegedly used for transporting the substance was also taken into custody.
A case under FIR No. 144/2026 under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Rajbagh, and further investigation has been initiated.
Officials said efforts against narcotics trafficking would continue across the district.