SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested eight drug peddlers and seized contraband substances, vehicles, and cash in operations conducted across Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag districts. In a related development, a vehicle purchased using proceeds from alleged drug trafficking was confiscated in Handwara, a police spokesman said.
In Srinagar, a police team from Soura intercepted a TATA NITER vehicle on 90 Feet Road near Treats. The driver, identified as Surinder Pal Saini of Gurdaspur, Punjab, was found in possession of 4.92 grams of heroin and Rs 6,930 in cash suspected to be proceeds from narcotics sales. Investigators revealed Saini as a habitual drug peddler targeting local youth. In another incident, police patrolling Rajbagh stopped a Scorpio vehicle carrying two suspects, Riyaz Ahmad Chana of Haba Kadal and Hamza Khan of Rawalpora. A search led to the recovery of 4 grams of brown sugar and a digital weighing machine. Both suspects were arrested, and their vehicle was seized.
In Baramulla, a police team at a checkpoint near Gingal Bridge apprehended Syed Hassan Shah of Gingal, recovering 6.5 kg of cannabis powder from his possession. In a separate operation at Janbazpora, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie of Binner was arrested with 100 grams of charas, while another checkpoint at Forest Check Post Gantamulla led to the arrest of Mohd Amin Sheikh of Kitchama with 30 grams of charas. All suspects have been taken into custody, and investigations are underway.
In Anantnag, a police team from Srigufwara arrested Fareed Ahmad Shah of Sheikhpora at a checkpoint near the ATM Crossing in Sallar. Shah was found in possession of 3.2 kg of cannabis powder concealed in a nylon bag. Additionally, Mehraj Din Sheikh of Sheikh Mohalla was arrested by a police team from Ashmuqam with 5.7 kg of cannabis husk at Peer Mohalla.
Meanwhile, in Handwara, police attached a Tavera vehicle valued at Rs 8.90 lakh under Section 68(f)(1) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The vehicle, registered to Javed Ahmad Mir of Dardsun Kralpora, Kupwara, was allegedly purchased using proceeds from drug trafficking. This action is linked to case FIR No. 173/2024 registered under sections 8/21-29 of the NDPS Act. The proactive measure has been welcomed by the local population as a significant step in curbing drug-related activities.
Cases under relevant sections of the law have been registered in all instances, and investigations are ongoing. The police have urged the public to report any drug-related activities or other crimes to the nearest police station or by dialling 112, emphasising that community cooperation is vital in combating the drug menace.
