Three drug peddlers held with contraband in multiple operations in Kashmir: Police

Srinagar, May 24: In a series of successful anti-narcotics operations, police arrested three drug peddlers/smugglers in multiple operations in Anantnag and Sopore; and recovered significant quantity of contraband substances from their possessions.

A police spokesperson said that a police party from Police Station Uttersoo, during routine naka checking, apprehended one individual identified as Wasim Ahmad Khan, son of Gull Mohammad Khan, resident of Sunglan. Upon search, 800 grams of a Charas-like substance was recovered from his possession.

In another operation, a police team from PS Aishmuqam during naka checking at Logripora/Manzigam road near Singhpora crossing apprehended one person identified as Jalal Din Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Salia Panchalpora. A staggering 12.9Kgs of raw Poppy buds was seized from his possession, spokesperson said.

Similarly, during routine patrolling near Mughal Garden, Verinag, a police party from Police Post Verinag observed a suspicious individual carrying a nylon bag. Upon noticing the police, the suspect fled the scene, abandoning the bag. A thorough search led to the recovery of 6.9 kg of Green Poppy Straw. The accused has been identified as Sajad Ahmad Padder, son of Mohd Yousuf Padder, resident of Gutligund, Verinag. However, efforts are on to apprehend the absconding suspect.

Moreover, in Sopore, police arrested a drug peddler during naka checking at Wagub Crossing and recovered 25 strips (200 capsules) of banned psychotropic substance from his possession. The accused has been identified as Farooq Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Hadipora, Rafiabad.

The cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations, and further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and expose the broader network behind the drug peddling, police spokesperson said.