Police recover heroin from Srinagar-bound taxi at Chenani Naka, 3 arrested

Udhampur, Jan 11: Police in Udhampur district have arrested three persons and recovered heroin during a routine traffic checking operation at Chenani on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway, officials said on Sunday.

A police team from Police Station Chenani, led by the Station House Officer, intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R taxi at the Motor Shed naka near Chenani while it was travelling from Jammu towards Srinagar. During checking, the driver identified himself as Shakeel Ahmad Sofi son of Abdul Rashid Sofi, a resident of Zainkote, Srinagar.

Officials said a personal search of the driver led to the recovery of heroin from his possession. Further checking of the two other occupants of the vehicle, identified as Noor Mohammad Ganie son of Abdul Rahman of Zainkote, Srinagar, and Junaid Fayaz son of Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh of Shahi Hamdan Lane, Srinagar, also resulted in the recovery of heroin from their personal possession.

In total, 8.29 grams of heroin was recovered from the three accused persons during the operation, officials said.

A police official said that a formal case against the trio has been registered under relevant sections of law.

Police said efforts are underway to trace the source of the contraband and to identify any wider network involved in the illegal trade. [KNT]