SRINAGAR: In a continued effort to eradicate drug trafficking and substance abuse, Jammu and Kashmir Police have taken decisive action across the region, arresting three drug peddlers in Srinagar and Sopore, and detaining 10 notorious offenders under the stringent PIT-NDPS Act.
Acting on specific information, Srinagar Police intercepted a vehicle at a checkpoint in Barthana, Qamarwari. Two individuals, identified as Arif Ahmad Sheikh of Barthana Qamarwari and Asif Ahmad Sheikh of Babapora Barthana, were apprehended after 628 grams of charas and 650 grams of cannabis powder were recovered from their possession. The vehicle used in the crime was seized, and both accused were arrested.
In Sopore, a police team patrolling the Chinkipora area arrested a drug peddler identified as Qaisar Rasool Khan of Faisalabad Chinkipora. A search led to the recovery of 7.36 grams of brown sugar.
Cases under relevant sections of the law have been registered at respective police stations, and investigations are underway.
In a parallel effort, Srinagar Police have detained 10 habitual drug peddlers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. These individuals, including Rizwan Bashir Dhobi, Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat, Owais Hussain Mir, and others, were identified as major players in peddling narcotics among the youth of Srinagar.
Despite multiple cases registered under the NDPS Act, the accused continued their illegal activities upon release on bail, promoting drugs through a well-organised network. Following the preparation of detailed dossiers, detention orders were obtained from the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. The accused have been lodged in Central Jail Kot-Balwal, Jammu, and district jails in Bhaderwah, Udhampur, and Kathua.
Authorities have initiated the process of attaching properties belonging to the detained peddlers under the provisions of the PIT-NDPS Act. This step aims to dismantle the financial backbone of the drug trade and deter similar offences.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police reaffirmed their commitment to fighting the drug menace, urging the public to report suspicious activities. “If you witness drug peddling or any other crime, contact the nearest police establishment or dial 112. Cooperation from the community is vital in our mission to eliminate this social evil,” a police spokesperson said.
The police also warned those involved in drug trafficking of severe consequences. “The long arm of the law will catch up with every offender. We remain resolute in ensuring justice and protecting our youth from this menace.”
These actions have been widely appreciated by locals, who see them as a critical step in addressing the growing drug problem in the valley. As the crackdown intensifies, police continue to work towards a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
