Police arrests two drug peddlers
Srinagar: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Police in Ganderbal and Anantnag arrested two drug peddlers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, a police spokesman said Friday.
He said that the accused, Fayaz Ahmad Khanday son of Abdul Khaliq Khanday resident of Pati Shalbugh, Ganderbal was found to be a habitual/repeated offender involved in the illicit trade of narcotics, primarily targeting and exploiting the local youth. Upon issuance of the detention order, he was apprehended and shifted to District Jail Bhaderwah.
Meanwhile in Anantnag, Police achieved major successes in its sustained crackdown on drug-related activities. During routine patrolling on the Kehribal–Rambirpora Mattan Road, police apprehended a suspected drug peddler who attempted to flee upon noticing the police presence. A charas-like substance was recovered from his possession, leading to the registration of FIR No. 67/2026 at Police Station Mattan and initiation of further investigation, the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, Police in Awantipora conducted narcotic raids at several suspected locations in Reshipora, Ghat Tokina, and Aripal.
The raids were carried out based on credible inputs regarding possible narcotics-related activities in these areas. During the operation, police teams thoroughly searched the identified locations to deter drug peddling and strengthen the fight against the menace of narcotics.
The action forms part of the sustained efforts of J&K Police to eradicate drug abuse and dismantle the network of drug traffickers operating in the district. Such operations will continue in the future to ensure a drug-free society and safeguard the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics, the spokesman added.
Police also intensified anti-drug operations across Handwara and Anantnag districts, combining strong enforcement action with community engagement initiatives aimed at building a drug-free society.
In Handwara, Police, in collaboration with members of civil society and local volunteers, conducted a special anti-narcotics drive in areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Vilgam. During the operation, wild hemp plants growing at various locations were identified and destroyed, preventing their potential misuse and reinforcing efforts to curb the spread of narcotic substances.
Simultaneously, Handwara Police organized Lok Darbar/Thana Divas and awareness programmes across various police stations and posts to strengthen police-public relations and promote community participation in the fight against drug abuse. The programmes witnessed active participation from youth, students, traders, elders, and civil society representatives. Participants raised issues related to public safety, traffic management, youth welfare, and drug abuse prevention, while police officers assured timely redressal and emphasized the collective responsibility of society in eradicating narcotics, the spokesman added.
In another operation based on specific intelligence, Police Station Larnoo detected illegal cultivation of opium poppy plants in a kitchen garden spread over approximately four marlas of land in the Larnoo area. Following the registration of FIR No. 39/2026 under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, the illicit crop was destroyed on the spot in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, Agriculture Officer, and independent witnesses after completion of all legal formalities.
These coordinated actions reflect the unwavering commitment of J&K Police towards a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, substance abuse, and illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, the spokesman added.
