*Anantnag Police intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking; 7 drug peddlers arrested, over 3.3 kg contraband recovered*

Continuing its relentless drive against the drug menace, Anantnag Police intensified naka checking and surveillance across the district, resulting in the arrest of seven drug peddlers in five separate NDPS cases and recovery of over 3.3 kg of contraband substances.

In the first case, a police party from Police Station Srigufwara, during routine naka checking at Nowshera Crossing near Gujjar Hostel, intercepted Riyaz Ahmad Hajam, resident of Sirhama. During his search, 3.52 grams of charas and 368 grams of Ganja were recovered from his possession. Accordingly, FIR No. 95/2026 under Section 8/21 NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Srigufwara and investigation has been taken up.

In another case, a police party from Police Station Pahalgam intercepted a Scorpio vehicle bearing registration number JK01X-3588 during checking while it was coming from Kullar towards the link road leading to Movera. The vehicle was being driven by Fareed Ahmad Chohan, son of Abdul Karim Chohan, resident of Kharpora Movera, while Fayaz Ahmad Doie, son of Mohammad Yousuf Doie, resident of Kharpora Movera, was travelling as co-driver. During the search, 80–90 grams of dried Bhang Bhoosa was recovered from the possession of the driver, while 5 grams of charas was recovered from the possession of the co-driver. The contraband and vehicle were seized and both persons were taken into custody. FIR No. 89/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pahalgam and investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, a police party from Police Post Janglat Mandi, during naka checking at Donipawa, apprehended Junaid Ahmad Sheikh, son of Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Sherpora. During his search, 5 grams of charas was recovered from his possession. Cognizance of the matter has been taken and investigation initiated.

In another case, a police party from Police Station Anantnag, during naka checking at Nandpora, apprehended Imtiyaz Ahmed Lone, son of Habibullah Lone, resident of Seepan, Anantnag. During his search, 2.5 kg of charas powder was recovered from his possession. Cognizance has been taken and investigation initiated.

Similarly, a police party from Police Post Khanabal apprehended two persons, Zubair Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Yaqoob Dar, and Shahid Gulzar, son of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, both residents of Batengoo, at Batengoo Crossing. During their personal search, approximately 200 grams of Ganja was recovered from Zubair Ahmad Dar and 150 grams of Ganja from Shahid Gulzar. In this connection, FIR No. 344/2026 under Sections 8/20-29 NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Anantnag and investigation set into motion.

With these arrests, Anantnag Police has further intensified its efforts to disrupt the supply and distribution network of narcotics in the district. Anantnag Police remains committed to making Drug-Free Anantnag a reality and urges the public to continue extending cooperation in the fight against the drug menace.