SRINAGAR: In a continuous effort to combat drug-related issues in the region, police have successfully arrested three drug peddlers in separate operations in Srinagar and Kulgam, recovering significant quantities of contraband substances.
In the first operation, officers from the Police Station Bemina were patrolling the area when they noticed a suspicious vehicle—a red Etios with registration number MH02ER/9763—parked along the link road between Bemina and Ibrahim Colony. As police approached, two men inside the vehicle attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended, police said in a satatement.
According to police, a search revealed 7.10 grams of brown sugar-like substance in their possession. The accused were identified as Syed Athar Rafi, son of Syed Rafi Ahmed from Dehraman Soibugh Badgam, and Waseem Ahmed Rather, son of Mohd Ashraf Rather from Hamdaniya Colony Bemina. A case (FIR No. 81/24) has been registered against them under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and both individuals, along with the vehicle, have been taken into custody.
In a parallel operation in Kulgam, a police party from Police Station Qaimoh intercepted a suspicious individual at a checkpoint established at Khudwani Byepass-NHW. During the search, officers recovered 4 kilograms of a poppy straw-like contraband substance concealed in a bag. The individual was identified as Raj Kumar, son of Meer Chand from Batote Ramban and was arrested on-site. Accordingly, a case (FIR No. 109/2024) has been registered under section 8/15 of the NDPS Act, with further investigation ongoing.
Police urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug peddling or criminal behavior. “Community cooperation is vital in the fight against drug abuse, and members of the public are encouraged to contact the nearest police establishment or dial 112 to report incidents. We assure that they will take stringent action against individuals engaged in such illegal activities,” police said.