SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Kupwara Police on Thursday arrested three smugglers, including a woman kingpin from South Kashmir, and recovered 1.71 kilograms of contraband from their possession.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara, Ghulam Jeelani, said the arrests were made on Wednesday night after a police party intercepted a suspicious vehicle.
“During the search, three individuals — including a woman identified as Haseena Begum — were apprehended with a significant quantity of narcotics,” he said.
Haseena Begum is a known drug smuggler with multiple FIRs registered against her across the Valley, including in North Kashmir. She has been actively involved in trafficking contraband from South to North Kashmir, the SSP added.
An FIR has been registered against all three accused, and the vehicle used in the smuggling has been seized. Further investigations are underway to uncover the broader network involved, SSP Jeelani said.
He also revealed that the woman kingpin’s brother is a government employee. “We are writing to the Director of CAPD to initiate strict departmental action against him,” he added.
To strengthen vigilance, especially in border areas like Tangdhar, the SSP announced the deployment of women personnel from the BSF and local police to check female suspects. “Some female traffickers misuse their identity and circumstances to bypass security. That will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
Referring to absconders involved in earlier drug cases in Tangdhar, SSP Jeelani issued a warning: “Your properties will be attached. There will be no escape from the law.”
He reiterated that anyone involved in the drug trade will face strict legal consequences, including the attachment of properties. (KNO)
