SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have stepped up their anti-drug operations, attaching properties worth Rs 1.28 crore in four separate cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Budgam district. Additionally, a drug peddler was arrested in Kupwara, further highlighting the ongoing efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the region.
In Budgam, Police attached residential houses, vehicles, and land belonging to individuals involved in narcotics cases. In the first case, Police Station Budgam confiscated a residential house and vehicles, including a Mahindra Scorpio, a mini truck, and an Ashoka Leyland, worth Rs 45.5 lakh. These properties were linked to Muhammad Yaseen Dar, a resident of Sholipora Budgam, who is accused in two cases registered under FIR Nos. 302/2020 and 134/2021 under Sections 8/15 of the NDPS Act in Police Stations Budgam and Khansahib, respectively.
Similarly, Police Station Chadoora attached properties belonging to Muhammad Ayoub Beigh, a resident of Nowhar Chadoora, accused in case FIR No. 47/2024 under Section 8/15 of the NDPS Act. The properties included land measuring 16.5 marlas located at Moza Nowgam in Srinagar and a residential house situated in Nowgam, valued at Rs 63.7 lakh.
In another case, Police Station Magam attached a two-wheeler scooty and a double-storied residential house belonging to Irfan Ahmad Lone, also known as Raja, and Gh Mohd Lone, both residents of Badran Magam. These properties, worth Rs 18.84 lakh, were linked to case FIR Nos. 120/2024 under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act and 121(1) BNS of Police Station Magam.
A police spokesperson emphasised that the attachment of properties acquired through proceeds of narco-smuggling is a strong message to individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade. “Police are determined to dismantle drug trafficking networks by targeting the properties gained from the proceeds of narco-smuggling,” the statement read.
The police reiterated their commitment to eradicating the drug menace and urged the public to come forward with information regarding drug trafficking or related activities. They assured that the identity of informers will be protected. Public cooperation, the police emphasised, is crucial in building a drug-free society.
In a separate operation in Kupwara, police arrested a drug peddler and recovered contraband from his possession. Acting on a tip-off, a police party from Police Station Sogam established a checkpoint at Lassipora and intercepted a suspicious individual identified as Rayees Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Kanthpora. A search of Bhat revealed approximately 35 grams of a charas-like substance. He was arrested on the spot, and a case was registered under FIR No. 61/2024.
The police urged citizens to report any drug-peddling activities or crimes in their vicinity, assuring them of strict action against offenders. “We reassure the community members that police will act tough against the criminals as per law,” the statement added.
