SRINAGAR, OCT 20: Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested six alleged drug peddlers and seized suspected contraband substances, including charas, cannabis and heroin, during separate anti-narcotics operations in Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts, intensifying efforts to dismantle drug-peddling networks across South Kashmir.
In Shopian, a police team from Police Station Heerpora intercepted an Alto car bearing registration number JK22C-4688 during routine naka checking at Circuit House. The vehicle was travelling from Sedow towards Shopian with two occupants on board. During their personal searches, police recovered approximately 60 grams of charas-like substance from each individual, taking the total recovery to around 120 grams. The accused were identified as Mashooq Ahmad Hajam, son of Mohd Shaban Hajam, and Bilal Ahmad Hajam, son of Gh Mohd Hajam, both residents of Sedow, Heerpora. Accordingly, FIR Number 115/2026 has been registered at Police Station Heerpora under the relevant provisions of law, and further investigation has been initiated to trace the source of the contraband and establish its forward and backward linkages.
In Kulgam, a police team from Police Post Mir Bazar intercepted a blue-coloured auto-rickshaw bearing registration number JK03P-3053 near Lalipora Crossing on National Highway-244 during dynamic naka checking. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 860 grams of cannabis-like substance and 12.05 grams of charas from a polythene bag found inside the driver’s cabin. The driver was identified as Fazil Ahmad Sheikh, son of Nisar Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Kapran, Verinag, Anantnag. Police registered FIR Number 255/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Qazigund. Further investigation is underway to establish the source and intended destination of the seized substances.
In another operation in Anantnag, a police team from Police Station Kokernag apprehended Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, son of Gh Mohd Rather, a resident of Panzgam, Kokernag, during patrolling at Soaf Shali. His personal search led to the recovery of approximately 119 grams of a charas powder-like substance. Police subsequently registered FIR Number 175/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kokernag and initiated further investigation into the case.
Meanwhile, police teams from Police Station Dooru apprehended two more alleged drug peddlers, identified as Adil Ahmed Wani, a resident of Malikpora, and Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Verinag. During their personal searches, police recovered approximately seven grams and eight grams of heroin, respectively. Separate cases have been registered against the accused under the relevant provisions of law at Police Station Dooru, and investigations are in progress to determine the source of the suspected narcotics and identify any wider connections.
The latest operations highlight the continued focus of J&K Police on curbing drug trafficking and preventing the circulation of narcotic substances in South Kashmir. The recoveries across the three districts involved suspected cannabis, charas and heroin, with police initiating investigations to trace the supply chains and establish possible links with other individuals involved in the illegal trade.
J&K Police reiterated its commitment to combating drug abuse and working towards a drug-free society. The general public has been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share credible information about drug peddling and related activities to facilitate timely action against those involved.
