Shariq Peerzada
Pulwama, August 09: Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified their crackdown on drug peddling and the illegal trade of habit-forming substances across South Kashmir, with separate operations in Shopian and Pulwama resulting in the arrest of two persons and recovery of contraband substances.
In Shopian, Police arrested a suspected drug peddler and recovered approximately 44 grams of charas sticks from his possession during routine naka checking at Manihal Crossing.
According to police, a party from Police Station Imamsahib noticed a person moving under suspicious circumstances and tactfully apprehended him. During his personal search, approximately 44 grams of charas sticks were recovered.
The accused has been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, son of Jalal-ud-din Dar, a resident of Tulkhan, Bijbehara.
In connection with the recovery, FIR No. 51/2026 under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Imamsahib. Further investigation has been initiated to establish the forward and backward linkages and dismantle the wider network involved in drug trafficking.
In a separate operation in Pulwama, Police apprehended another person during naka checking at Checkpora Bypass Bridge and seized 27 bottles of Wecan-D (Codeine).
Police said a team from Police Post Newa intercepted a motorcycle bearing registration number JK01BD-5904, which was travelling from Pulwama towards Newa. During checking, 27 bottles of Wecan-D (Codeine) were allegedly found concealed beneath the motorcycle seat.
The rider was identified as Adil Bashir Ganie, son of Bashir Ahmad Ganie, resident of Dangerpora, Pulwama, and was apprehended on the spot.
Police have registered FIR No. 141/2026 at Police Station Pulwama under relevant provisions of law. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the recovered substance and identify other possible linkages.
J&K Police said the operations are part of its sustained efforts to curb drug abuse and dismantle the illegal network involved in the supply and distribution of narcotic and habit-forming substances.
Police have also appealed to the public to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies and share information regarding drug peddling or substance abuse in their respective localities. The identity of informants, police said, will be kept strictly confidential.
