'Narco-terror module' busted in Handwara, father–son duo arrested

Handwara, Nov 20: A joint operation by Handwara Police and CRPF 162 Battalion busted a narco-terror module operating in the Qalamabad area of Handwara, officials said on Thursday.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding the possession of commercial-quantity narcotics along with illegal arms and ammunition, the authorities registered FIR No. 38/2025 at Police Station Qalamabad under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act, Sections 13, 18, 23, and 39 of the UA(P) Act, and Section 7/25 of the Arms Act.

The operation, the officials said, led to the arrest of a father–son duo, identified as, Shahnawaz Khan, 23, son of Abdul Lateef, resident of Puthwari, Nowgam, Handwara. Abdul Lateef, 53, son of Shah Rehman, resident of Puthwari, Nowgam, Handwara.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the duo was actively involved in running a narco-terror network in the area, facilitating the distribution of narcotics alongside terror-related activities.

“One pistol with seven live rounds, heroin-like contraband weighing approximately 890 grams, were recovered during the operation,” officials said, adding further investigation into the network and its links is underway.