In a major offensive against the drug network, Anantnag Police in Jammu and Kashmir launched a cordon-and-search operation across 20 locations in Waghama, identified as a drug hotspot in the district.
During the coordinated operation, 13 suspected drug peddlers were picked up for questioning and further legal action. The operation was aimed at identifying and dismantling the local network involved in the illegal drug trade and disrupting the supply chain at its source.
The large-scale operation reflects Anantnag Police's zero-tolerance approach towards drug peddling, with sustained action being taken against individuals and networks involved in pushing narcotics into society.
Anantnag Police will continue such intensified and intelligence-based operations against drug networks to protect the youth and realise the goal of a drug-free Anantnag.
NDPS Absconder Arrested After 17 Years
In its continued drive against absconders, Anantnag Police, along with Rajasthan Police, arrested an absconder who had been evading arrest since 2009.
A police party from Police Station Mattan apprehended an absconder, identified as Shabir Ahmad Khan, son of Mohammad Shahbaz Khan, a resident of Nai Basti, Khanabal, near Showkat Gas Agency, and presently residing in Gopalpora, Mattan.
He was wanted in connection with FIR No. 09/2009 registered at GRP Abu Road, District Sirohi, Rajasthan, under the NDPS Act for allegedly dealing in 4.5 kilograms of charas, which was to be delivered in Ahmedabad. The NDPS Court, District Sirohi, Rajasthan, had issued an arrest warrant against him, and he had been absconding since 2009.
After sustained efforts and the development of specific information, the absconder was apprehended from Gopalpora, Mattan. He has been taken into custody, and the concerned police authorities have been informed for further legal action.
Three Drug Peddlers Arrested
Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Anantnag Police arrested three suspected drug peddlers in two separate operations and recovered contraband from their possession.
In the first operation, a police party from Police Station Bijbehara, during naka checking on the Katriteng-Waghama Road, apprehended two persons identified as Ubaid Rashid Dar, son of Abdul Rashid Dar, a resident of Waghama, and Javaid Ahmad Parray, son of Mohammad Maqbool Parray, a resident of Jablipora. During their search, brown sugar was recovered from their possession.
In this regard, FIR No. 259/2026 under Sections 8/21 and 29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Bijbehara, and an investigation has been initiated.
In another operation, a police party from Police Station Anantnag, during routine checking near Batapora Bridge, apprehended Shahid Maqsood Khuroo, son of Maqsood Ahmad, a resident of Guri Kharipora, Anantnag. During his search, charas was recovered from his possession.
Consequently, FIR No. 303/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Anantnag, and an investigation has been set into motion.
