Kulgam police seize 55 Kg poppy straw, arrest drug peddler

Kulgam, Sep 26: Kulgam Police on Friday arrested an alleged drug peddler and seized over 55 kilograms of poppy straw during a naka checking operation at New Bypass Furrah Crossing.

Officials said a police party from Police Post Mirbazar intercepted a Swift Dzire car bearing registration number JK03D-9184 after it raised suspicion. On conducting a thorough search, four bags containing 55.5 kilograms of poppy straw were recovered from the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Doonipora Bijbehara in Sangam Anantnag. He was arrested on the spot, and the vehicle used in transporting the contraband was seized.

Police have registered a case under FIR No. 191/2025 at Police Station Qazigund under section 8/15 of the NDPS Act. Investigators said efforts are underway to trace the source of the contraband, determine its intended destination, and identify the broader network of traffickers.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal (IPS), described the recovery as part of the district’s sustained campaign against drugs. “The fight against drugs is not just a law-enforcement challenge but also a social responsibility. District Police Kulgam is fully committed to uprooting this menace from society and protecting our youth from the dangers of addiction. We seek active cooperation from the public in this mission so that together, we can build a safe, healthy, and drug-free community,” he said.

Officials reiterated that the district police maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking and assured that such operations will continue. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly share information about drug-related activities to help law enforcement act swiftly.