SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday announced the busting of a heroin trafficking network in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, with the arrest of key operatives and the seizure of 2,695 grams of heroin valued at Rs 20 crores.
In a statement a police spokesperson said, “Police reported that a major operation against drug trafficking led to the arrest of three principal figures. Acting on credible intelligence, police detained Nazim Din, 28, son of Alim Din Tass from Zamboor Pattan Uri, during a surprise checkpoint on NHW Khanpora on October 21, 2024. Upon search, officers found 519 grams of heroin concealed in a polythene bag under his arm.”
“During initial questioning, Nazim revealed his involvement in heroin trafficking under the influence of an unidentified man from Downtown Srinagar known as “Mir Sb.” He disclosed that he and his associate, Waqar Ahmad Khawaja, 25, son of Abdul Rouf Khawaja from Tangdhar, Kupwara, had received a heroin consignment on October 17, 2024, from a woman near Noora Hospital, Srinagar. They transported the drugs in a Maruti Ertiga (JK09D-5822) belonging to Waqar, distributing the contraband to local associates from Srinagar to Handwara,” it adds.
Based on this information, police apprehended Waqar Ahmad near Handwara Bye-Pass, seizing an additional 475 grams of heroin hidden in the car’s boot. “The investigation further led to the arrest of a third accomplice, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, 50, from Marathgam, Handwara, on October 27, 2024. A search of his residence uncovered four packets of heroin, totalling 1,701 grams, concealed in his wardrobe,” the statement reads.
The total heroin seized in the operation amounted to 2,695 grams, distributed as follows: Nazim Din (519 grams), Waqar Ahmad Khawaja (475 grams), and Manzoor Ahmad Bhat (1,701 grams). The street value of the drugs is estimated at ₹20 crores.
The vehicle used in the trafficking has been confiscated, and all suspects are under police remand. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other network members, including the Srinagar-based coordinator suspected of managing local distribution. (GNS)
