Dismantled major cross-LoC narcotics syndicate: SSP Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 8: In a significant breakthrough in the crackdown against drug trafficking, Srinagar Police today said it has dismantled a major cross-border narcotics racket, seizing eight kilograms of heroin valued at an astounding Rs 32 crore.

Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir said two persons identified as Anas Ajaz Awan, a resident of Dildar Tangdar, Kupwara, and Zahid Ahmad Sheikh resident of Channipora, Tangdar in Kupwara, have been arrested.

“They are believed to be part of a larger drug trafficking network operating across the Line of Control (LoC) from Pakistan. Narcotics seized from them were smuggled from across the border as part of an elaborate trafficking operation that has increasingly posed a threat to the J&K's youth and public safety,” the SSP said.

“The successful operation was carried out at a checkpoint at Barthana Crossing area of Qamarwari, Srinagar, where a police team intercepted a Tata Sumo vehicle (registration No. JK05D-1837) carrying two suspects,” he said adding that a detailed search of the vehicle led to the discovery of six kilograms of heroin cleverly concealed beneath the driver’s seat. “Furthermore, a personal search of the suspects yielded an additional two kilograms of heroin, with each of the individuals hiding one kilogram in polythene bags”

“This operation is a major success in our ongoing efforts to tackle the drug menace, particularly narcotics that are smuggled across the Line of Control from Pakistan,” SSP said. “The successful interception of this consignment is a clear message to those involved in this criminal enterprise – we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that they face justice.”

The city police chief said that the narcotics seized were part of a sophisticated cross-border drug trafficking network. “Our preliminary investigations suggest that these narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan and were destined for local markets. We are actively pursuing both backward and forward linkages to dismantle this entire syndicate and apprehend all those involved in this nefarious trade,” he added.

“Drug trafficking is not just a law enforcement issue, it is a societal issue that affects every individual. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” SSP said.

The police have seized the narcotics, the vehicle used in the crime, and have registered a case under sections 8/21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police said further investigations are underway to identify the larger network behind the drug trafficking operation.

The arrest of Awan and Sheikh comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir Police have been intensifying their efforts to combat the growing drug abuse crisis in J&K. Over the past several months, the police have carried out numerous successful operations targeting drug trafficking and peddling, arresting several individuals linked to narcotic distribution networks. The police have also launched awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public, particularly the youth, about the dangers of drug abuse.

.“We are targeting both the suppliers and the distributors, but we are also investigating the source of these drugs and the financial networks behind them,” he explained. “Our goal is to ensure that drug trafficking is completely eradicated from the region.”

The SSP reiterated the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s “zero-tolerance” stance toward narcotics. “Drug trafficking is one of the most insidious crimes affecting our society. It destroys lives, fuels violence, and destabilizes our communities. We remain resolute in our commitment to root it out,” he said.

The increasing prevalence of drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir has become a significant concern for police and administration. Over the past few years, drug abuse has surged, particularly among the youth, leading to social and health challenges.

In response to this growing menace, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been adopting a multi-pronged approach, which includes intelligence gathering, public outreach, and stricter enforcement of the NDPS Act. In addition, several government and non-government organizations have joined forces with the police to launch awareness campaigns targeting schools, colleges, and localities.