ANANTNAG, OCT 7: In a significant escalation of its campaign against narcotics trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag has arrested seven alleged drug peddlers in five separate operations, recovering cannabis, ganja and other cannabis-based contraband during intensified naka checking and surveillance across the district.
The coordinated actions, carried out by police units at multiple strategic locations, resulted in the seizure of more than 2.95 kg of suspected narcotic and cannabis-related substances, including 2.5 kg of cannabis powder, along with cannabis and ganja in smaller quantities. A vehicle allegedly used in one of the offences was also seized.
During naka checking at Nowshera Crossing near Gujjar Hostel, a police party from Police Station Srigufwara intercepted Riyaz Ahmad Hajam, a resident of Sirhama. His search led to the recovery of 3.52 grams of cannabis and 368 grams of ganja, following which he was taken into custody.
In a separate operation, Police Station Pahalgam personnel intercepted a Scorpio bearing registration number JK01X-3588 while it was travelling from Kullar towards the link road leading to Movera. Two persons on board, identified as Fareed Ahmad Chohan, son of Abdul Karim Chohan, and Fayaz Ahmad Doie, son of Mohammad Yousuf Doie, both residents of Kharpora Movera, were apprehended. Police said the search resulted in the recovery of approximately 90 grams of dried bhang bhoosa and 5 grams of cannabis.
Meanwhile, personnel from Police Post Janglat Mandi apprehended Junaid Ahmad Sheikh, son of Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh of Sherpora, during naka checking at Donipawa. Around 5 grams of cannabis was recovered from his possession.
In another major seizure, a police party from Police Station Anantnag intercepted Imtiyaz Ahmed Lone, son of Habibullah Lone of Seepan, at Nandpora. During the search, police recovered approximately 2.5 kg of cannabis powder, marking the largest individual seizure among the five operations.
At Batengoo Crossing, a police party from Police Post Khanabal apprehended Zubair Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Yaqoob Dar, and Shahid Gulzar, son of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, both residents of Batengoo. Their search resulted in the recovery of approximately 350 grams of ganja.
Police said all seven accused have been arrested and shifted to the respective police stations. The vehicle involved in one of the cases has also been seized. Cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered at the concerned police stations, and further investigation has been initiated to establish the source of the recovered substances and ascertain possible linkages in the supply and distribution network.
The multiple seizures across different police jurisdictions underline the intensified surveillance being maintained along interior routes, crossings and vulnerable transit points to prevent the movement of narcotics and disrupt their local distribution.
Police said the crackdown is focused not merely on individual possession but on dismantling the wider supply chain and distribution ecosystem that sustains the drug trade. The public has also been urged to remain vigilant and share credible information regarding narcotics-related activities with law-enforcement agencies.
The latest operations reaffirm Anantnag Police’s continued focus on disrupting drug trafficking, protecting vulnerable youth from substance abuse and strengthening community participation in the fight against narcotics, with the larger objective of making the district safer and drug-free.
