Police busts illegal drug network in Baramulla, two held
Drug peddler arrested in Awantipora
Srinagar: In a major crackdown against the illegal sale and distribution of psychotropic and intoxicating drugs under the ongoing anti-narcotics drive, Police in Baramulla achieved a significant success in Pattan area by unearthing an illicit drug supply network operating through medical establishments. Meanwhile, a drug peddler was held in south Kashmir’s Awantipora area, a police spokesman said Friday.
He said that police received credible information that one Musadiq Rashid Yatoo son of Abdul Rashid Yatoo resident of Yadipora Pattan, proprietor of “Musa Medicate” located near Trauma Hospital Pattan, was clandestinely involved in the illegal sale of psychotropic/intoxicating drugs among the youth of the area.
Acting swiftly on the information, case FIR No. 108/2026 was registered at Police Station Pattan and investigation was initiated. During the course of investigation, search warrants were obtained from the JMIC Court Pattan. Subsequently, a raid was conducted by Police Station Pattan in presence of Executive Magistrate 1st Class Pattan, Drug Control Officer and independent witnesses.
During the raid, the accused was caught red-handed while illegally selling psychotropic drugs. 07 strips comprising 105 tablets of Tramadol were recovered and seized on spot in accordance with law. The accused was immediately arrested, the spokesman added.
During sustained interrogation, the accused disclosed that the psychotropic drugs were being supplied by one Irfan Yousuf son of Mohammad Yousuf Wani resident of Sherpora Bangil, proprietor of “Wani Pharma Distributor” near GDC Pattan, who was allegedly supplying such drugs without proper billing and legal procedure. Accordingly, the distributor’s premises near GDC Pattan were searched and sealed in presence of Executive Magistrate and Drug Control Officer after obtaining a separate search warrant from the JMIC Pattan. Simultaneously, the residential house of the accused at Sherpora Bangil was also searched, the spokesman added.
During the searches, 69 strips comprising 690 tablets of Etisoma-0.25 (Etizolam) and 10 strips comprising 100 tablets of Cloprax-B20 were recovered. Both accused persons have been arrested in the instant case. During investigation, both medical establishments were also sealed by the Drug Control Officer and Executive Magistrate as per law.
Moreover, digital devices including 02 Laptops, 01 Tab, 01 DVR and 02 Mobile Phones belonging to the accused persons have also been seized for further forensic and technical examination, he added.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain backward and forward linkages, identify the supply chain and uncover involvement of other persons connected with the illicit trade of narcotic and intoxicating drugs/medicines, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, police in Awantipora apprehended a drug peddler during routine naka checking at Gadikhal Chersoo area.
During vehicular checking, a Swift vehicle bearing registration number JK03M-7718 was intercepted for checking. Upon search of the vehicle, approximately 124 grams of charas powder-like substance was recovered. Consequently, the accused, who was transporting the said consignment, was apprehended on the spot and the vehicle involved was also seized. The apprehended individual has been identified as Mohd Hussain Bhat son of Ab Rashid Bhat resident of Tulkhan.
Accordingly, a case FIR No. 125/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at the concerned Police Station and further investigation has been taken up, the spokesman said.
