Anantnag, July 1: Continuing its intensified crackdown against narcotics trafficking across the district, Anantnag Police on Wednesday apprehended two alleged drug peddlers in separate naka checking operations and recovered more than 6 kilograms of poppy straw, besides ₹73,600 in cash suspected to be proceeds of the illegal drug trade. A vehicle used in the commission of the offence was also seized, officials said.
According to police, the first operation was carried out by a team from Police Post Sangam during naka checking on the Sangam–Halmulla road. During the operation, a suspect was intercepted and subjected to a search, leading to the recovery of 3.054 kilograms of poppy straw from a bag in his possession.
The accused was identified as Shah Hussain Mattoo, son of Mohammad Ibrahim Mattoo, a resident of Shalina, Budgam. Police also recovered ₹23,600 in cash from his possession, which is believed to be linked to narcotics trafficking.
In another successful operation, a team from Police Station Bijbehara established a naka at Tulkhan near the bridge, where an Alto car (Registration No. JK13J-6032) was intercepted for inspection.
During the search of the vehicle, police recovered 3.158 kilograms of poppy straw along with ₹50,000 in cash from the possession of the driver, identified as Suheel Ahmad Bhat, son of Fida Hussain Bhat, a resident of Balhama, Srinagar. The vehicle allegedly used for transporting the contraband was also seized.
Police said that FIR Nos. 197/2026 and 198/2026 have been registered under Section 8/15 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Bijbehara, and further investigation into both cases is underway.
Reaffirming its commitment to making society drug-free, Anantnag Police said it will continue its sustained campaign against drug trafficking and appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing any information related to narcotics smuggling or substance abuse with the nearest police establishment.
Police assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential and urged citizens to play an active role in eliminating the drug menace from society. (KNC)
