Police intensify war against drugs: Massive seizures in Pahalgam, Pulwama

Srinagar, Nov 26: In a significant action against the drug menace, Police in Anantnag carried out a major seizure of contraband and foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotic substances in the jurisdiction of Police Station Pahalgam, a statement said.

A police party from PS Pahalgam, deputed for census duty to village Awoora, was on its way to Awoora Nallah in a departmental TATA Sumo when they noticed a suspicious individual pushing an iron-made single-tyre handcart loaded with multiple sacks. On spotting the police vehicle, the man abandoned the cart and fled into the adjoining forest.

The police team secured the cart and inspected the sacks, which were found to contain half-dried bhang leaves weighing 24.50 kilograms. The entire quantity was seized on the spot, the statement added.

A case under FIR No. 76/2025 has been registered at Police Station Pahalgam, and an investigation has been initiated. The accused was later identified as Gulam Nabi Khatana, son of Abdul Rashid, resident of Nallah Awoora. He remains absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

In a separate action, Police in Pulwama made another major seizure during a checkpoint operation at Newa Pulwama. A police team intercepted an individual identified as Rafiq Ahmad Shah, son of Bashir Ahmad Shah, resident of Newa. During the search, 16.5 kilograms of charas powder-like substance was recovered and seized from his possession, following which he was arrested.

A case under FIR No. 277/2025 has been registered at Police Station Pulwama, and further investigation is in progress, the statement said.

J&K Police reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and urged the public to cooperate by sharing any information related to narcotic activities.