Srinagar: Police on Monday claimed to have dismantled a drug trafficking network and attached property acquired through illegal narcotics trade in the Qamarwari area of Srinagar district.
In a statement a police sopkesperson said that as part of its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, Srinagar Police arrested two individuals involved in the trade of drugs and narcotic substances and recovered significant quantities of contraband from their possession.
“A team from Police Station Parimpora, during a naka (checkpoint) operation at Barthana Bund, intercepted an Alto vehicle bearing registration number JK01J 7081. The occupants, identified as Asif Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ab Razaq Sheikh, and Arif Ahmad Sheikh, son of Lateef Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Babapora Barthana, were apprehended,” it reads.
Upon searching the vehicle, substantial quantities of contraband substances were recovered. “Subsequently, a case under FIR No. 136/2024 was registered under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Parimpora. Both accused were taken into custody, and the vehicle used in the crime was seized.”
The police described the accused as hardcore drug peddlers engaged in large-scale narcotics trafficking targeting the youth. Notably, one of the accused, Arif Ahmad Sheikh, was previously involved in another case under FIR No. 34/2023, registered at Police Station Parimpora under Sections 8/20, 21, 22, and 29 of the NDPS Act.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Asif Ahmad Sheikh had constructed a double-storey house at Babapora Barthana using proceeds from illegal narcotics trade. The property was seized under Section 68 of the NDPS Act, with intimation sent to the competent authority for further legal action.
Srinagar Police has appealed to the public to report any instances of drug peddling or other criminal activities in their vicinity. Citizens can contact their nearest police station or dial 112 to provide information.
The statement emphasised that addressing the drug menace is a collective responsibility and urged the public to support law enforcement in this critical endeavour. Police assured the public of strict and lawful action against those involved in such illegal activities, aiming to create a safer, drug-free community.