SRINAGAR: In its relentless fight against narcotics, the Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested multiple drug peddlers and destroyed illegal cultivation sites in different districts. On May 18, authorities in Handwara arrested two individuals and recovered contraband substances, reinforcing the zero-tolerance stance against drug trafficking.
In Handwara, during a naka at Manzgam Crossing Vilgam, police intercepted Altaf Ahmad Mir of MatiporaTarathpora under suspicious circumstances. A personal search revealed Charas-like contraband. Similarly, another suspect, Naseer Ahmad Ahanger of AudooraQalamabad, was apprehended during naka checking in UtingrooQalamabad, with illegal substances seized from him. Cases have been registered under relevant laws, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle broader drug networks.
In a significant crackdown on narcotics cultivation, police in Shopian destroyed illegal poppy crops in the NarwaniImamsahib area. Acting on specific intelligence, a team from Police Station Imamsahib located and destroyed illicit poppy on land belonging to Nazir Ahmad Wani. A case (FIR No. 36/2026) has been registered, and further investigations are underway.
Similarly, in Budgam, police destroyed illicit poppy cultivation spread over approximately 1600 square feet in BangadporaIchgam and removed poppy on another parcel of land in Gazargund. Two FIRs (Nos. 125/2026 and 127/2026) were registered under the NDPS Act. The operation was conducted with the assistance of magistrates and officials, with samples collected for legal procedures. These efforts reflect the district’s firm resolve to eradicate narcotics from the region.
In Anantnag, police targeted multiple locations including Nowgam and Verinag. Operations led to the destruction of illegal poppy crops on private land, with FIR No. 71/2026 and FIR No. 72/2026 registered under the NDPS Act. These actions were based on credible intelligence, and investigations are ongoing.
Handwara also saw intensified efforts, with police destroying poppy cultivation in KhanporaMagam after registering FIR No. 104/2026. The operation was conducted in coordination with revenue and excise officials, emphasizing community participation in the anti-drug campaign.
Kulgam district joined the crackdown as well, with police in Behibagh destroying illicit poppy cultivated on land belonging to Fayaz Ahmad Mir. FIR No. 28/2026 was registered, and investigations are in progress.