Police Friday claimed to have arrested a drug peddler from Old city area of Srinagar, a police spokesman said here.

He said that police apprehended a ‘chronic’ drug peddler identified as Zuhaib Hussain Bhat @ Raja, son of Mohammad Hussain Bhat, a resident of Kadikadal, Rajouri Kadal on July 09 this year.

“Six boxes of prescription drugs were recovered on his instance,” spokesman said, adding that a case under FIR number 59/ 2017 under section 8/21 NDPS Act was registered in Police Station Maharaj Gunj in this regard.

A spokesman said that further investigation was taken up.

During the course of investigation, the accused revealed that he had been selling the drug to people especially youth at exorbitant rates; as high as Rs 500 a strip having MRP of Rs 42.

Subsequently, 23 persons who had been buying drugs from the accused were identified.

“Most of them were called to police station for questioning. Their urine screening revealed that they had been using drugs after which the parents of these youths were sensitized about the issue. These affected youths were then shifted to Drug De-addiction Centre Srinagar where they are being treated,” spokesman said.

The accused Zuhaib was also tested positive for the drug abuse and is however being treated in the custody.

Meanwhile, more people are expected to be arrested for appropriate action/treatment.

Police in its message has requested people to keep a watch over their children for their better future.

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