STATE TIMES NEWS
CHANDIGARH: In a major action against drug trafficking networks, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh Zonal Unit, has successfully secured the preventive detention of Sandeep Singh alias Chatha, a notorious history-sheeter from Amritsar, Punjab, under the PITNDPS Act.
Sandeep Singh alias Chatha, son of Jhirmal Singh and a resident of Rasulpur Rohi, has been involved in at least seven criminal cases since 2013, including three under the NDPS Act. Despite multiple arrests, he continued to expand his narcotics network, including cross-border operations, posing a serious threat to society.
An NCB official stated, “Sandeep Singh alias Chatha is a habitual offender who remained actively involved in large-scale drug trafficking even after repeated arrests. His activities and network necessitated strict preventive detention to curb further illicit operations.”
In a significant crackdown in 2022, the NCB Chandigarh Zonal Unit arrested him in NCB Crime No. 79/2022. During the operation, officials dismantled two illegal drug laboratories and seized a huge quantity of narcotics, including 40 kg of heroin, 0.557 kg of opium, and 23.645 kg of caffeine. Additionally, 31 live cartridges and one magazine were recovered, and 22 members of the drug syndicate were arrested. “During financial investigation, assets worth Rs 58.6 crore were frozen, including properties linked to the accused, indicating the massive scale of illegal proceeds generated through drug trafficking,” the NCB official added.
Further probe revealed his links with Jagdeep Singh, a notorious criminal involved in the supply of arms and narcotics from Jammu & Kashmir to Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana.
To prevent further illegal activities, the NCB initiated action under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, in September 2025. Following approval, Sandeep Singh was detained on January 7, 2026.
The case was later reviewed by the Central Advisory Board in New Delhi on March 16, 2026, which upheld the detention. Based on its recommendation, the Central Government confirmed the detention order on March 24, 2026, directing that Sandeep Singh alias Chatha remain under preventive detention for one year.
The NCB reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug syndicates and ensuring strict action against those involved in narcotics trafficking.