SRINAGAR: Police arrested seven alleged drug peddlers in separate operations in Anantnag, Baramulla and Bandipora districts on Wednesday, recovering poppy straw, charas and a heroin-like substance, officials said.
In Anantnag, three persons were arrested in separate operations. Police Station Bijbehara intercepted Javaid Ahmad Mir, son of Gh Hassan and a resident of Batigund Laribal, while he was riding a motorcycle. Police said 2.08 kg of poppy straw was recovered from his possession, and the motorcycle bearing registration number PB46U-2485 was seized.
In a separate operation at Kanelwan, Bijbehara police arrested Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, son of the late Ab Gani Sheikh and a resident of Kanelwan, after recovering 24 grams of charas from his possession.
Meanwhile, Police Post GBS apprehended Gulzar Ahmad Shah, son of Mohd Ismail Shah and a resident of Khanabal, near Chee Tarbal Bridge. Police recovered 4.50 grams of charas during his search.
In Baramulla, three persons were arrested during patrolling and checking at Gulnar Park in Azadgunj, with approximately 16 grams of a heroin-like substance recovered from them, police said.
The accused were identified as Faizan Majeed Teli alias Gunga, son of Ab Majeed Teli and a resident of Banglow Bagh, Old Town; Aqib Ahmad Gojree, son of Ghulam Mohammad Gojree and a resident of Gulnar Park; and Sahil Bashir Karnayi, son of Bashir Ahmad Karnayi and a resident of Gousia Colony, Azadgunj.
Police said six grams of the substance were recovered from Faizan, while five grams each were recovered from Aqib and Sahil. Three syringes and seven lighters were also recovered from the spot.
An Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses were called to the spot, and the required legal formalities were completed. Police registered FIR No. 167/2026 under Sections 8 and 21–29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Baramulla. The three accused have been arrested and are in police custody. Further investigation is under way.
In Bandipora, police apprehended Shabir Ahmed Lone, son of Mohd Dilawar Lone and a resident of Athwathoo, at Mantrigam Pethkote. Approximately 610 grams of a charas-like substance were recovered from his possession, police said.
A case (FIR No. 28/2026) under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Pethkoot, and further investigation has been initiated.
Jammu and Kashmir Police reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse and urged the public to report drug-related activities.
