June 04: Continuing its sustained drive against drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities, police in Anantnag achieved a major success by registering 06 NDPS cases in a single day, leading to the arrest of 04 accused persons, contraband recovery and illegal cultivated poppy destroyed.
During routine naka checking at Sarnal Bala near High Ground Crossing, a police party from PP Shairbagh recovered 1.134 kilograms of charas powder from the possession of Mohsin Irshad Want son of Irshad Ahmad Want resident of Al-Farooq Colony, Anchidora. In another significant action, a police party from Police Station Bijbehara apprehended a drug peddler, Junaid Ahmad Khan son of Bashir Ahmad Khan resident of Uranhall, during naka checking at Pazalpora and recovered 88 grams of charas sticks from his possession.
Similarly, a police party from Police Station Mattan established a naka on the Pando-Lad Wantrag Road. During checking, one person attempted to flee on noticing the police party but was apprehended on the spot. Upon search, 205 grams of charas powder-like substance was recovered from his possession. The accused was identified as Shakeel Ahmad Khan son of Ghulam Nabi Khan resident of Kehribal Ranbirpora. In another operation, Police Station Utrasoo apprehended Umar Qadir Sheikh son of Gh. Qadir Sheikh resident of Sheikh Mohalla, Utrasoo near Batbagh and recovered 54 grams of charas-like substance from his possession. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation is in progress.
Acting against the illegal cultivation of narcotic crops, Police Station Achabal received information through the concerned Beat Officer that Gh. Qadir Wagay son of Ab. Gafar Wagay resident of Checkabad, Achabal had illegally cultivated opium poppy plants in his field. Consequently, FIR No. 48/2026 under Section 8/18 NDPS Act was registered and the illicit crop was destroyed on the spot in the presence of the Executive Magistrate and Agriculture Officer.
In yet another action, Police Station Kokernag received reliable information regarding the illegal cultivation of opium poppy crop at Khokharpora Adhal by unknown persons. Acting promptly, a police team along with the Executive Magistrate Kokernag, Agriculture Officer, FSL Team, local Lumberdar and Chowkidar visited the site. The illicit crop was destroyed on the spot, samples were collected for forensic examination, and witness statements were recorded. Accordingly, FIR No. 65/2026 under Section 8/18 NDPS Act has been registered and investigation has been initiated to identify the persons involved.
Police reiterates its unwavering commitment towards eradicating the menace of drugs from society and appeals to the general public to continue extending cooperation by sharing information regarding drug peddling.
