SRINAGAR: Police have apprehended three suspected drug peddlers and seized approximately 183.2 grams of charas during three separate checking operations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said on Tuesday.
The recoveries were made at Harnag in Khanabal, near Kehribal Crossing in Mattan, and at Nowgam. Police have registered cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and initiated investigations into the alleged narcotics-related offences.
In the first operation, a team from Police Post Khanabal apprehended Aarif Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Ayoub Bhat, a resident of Bunpora Khanabal, during a checkpoint operation at Harnag near Ahli-Hadees Jamia Masjid. Police said 120 grams of charas was recovered during his personal search.
An FIR, numbered 357/2026, has been registered at Police Station Anantnag under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act, and further investigation has been taken up, officials said.
In a separate operation near Kehribal Crossing, a team from Police Station Mattan apprehended Mudasir Lateef Dar, son of Mohammad Lateef Dar, a resident of Davoodpora Brah. Approximately 40.2 grams of charas was allegedly recovered from his possession. Police said legal proceedings had been initiated in the case.
In the third operation, a team from Police Station Aishmuqam intercepted an auto-rickshaw bearing registration number JK03R/6200 at Nowgam. The vehicle was travelling from Salia towards Manzigam when it was stopped for checking.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 23 grams of charas concealed beneath the handbrake, police said. The driver was identified as Faisal Gulzar, son of Gulzar Ahmad Nanwai, a resident of Bangoo, Tangmarg.
Police said FIR No. 87/2026 had been registered at Police Station Aishmuqam under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act, with further investigation underway.
Anantnag Police said they would continue action against alleged drug trafficking and substance abuse in the district. They also urged members of the public to share relevant information with law enforcement agencies to help curb the narcotics trade.
