Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district said on Saturday that they have recovered 4 kg charas (marijuana) in two separate operations during which three peddlers were arrested.
A police statement said, "Budgam Police today arrested three drug peddlers in two separate operations conducted in Magam and Hardpanzoo areas of the district, leading to the recovery of a substantial quantity of contraband substances."
"In the first operation, a police team from Police Station Magam apprehended a suspect during routine patrolling at Batpora Crossing. The individual was moving under suspicious circumstances, carrying a nylon bag and attempted to flee upon noticing the police party. He was tactfully apprehended, and during the search, around two kilograms and 100 grams of charas-like substance were recovered from his possession."
The accused has been identified as Rouf Ahmed Hajam, son of Mohammad Ramzan Hajam, an inhabitant of Batpora, Kanihama.
Accordingly, FIR No. 05 of 2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Magam, and further investigation is underway.
In a separate operation, a police team from Police Post Hardpanzoo established a checkpoint at Bonizanigam village.
During checking, two individuals carrying a nylon bag were noticed behaving suspiciously and attempted to flee. Both were apprehended on the spot.
The accused were identified as Irfan Ahmad Mir, son of Mohammad Yousuf Mir, and Owais Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, both inhabitants of Hardulatina village.
Upon searches, police recovered around two kilograms and 185 grams of the charas-like substance from their possession.
Consequently, FIR under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Beerwah, and investigation has been initiated, the statement added.
Jammu and Kashmir Police and the security forces have been carrying out operations against drug smugglers, drug peddlers and those involved in Hawala money rackets and other unlawful activities.
It is believed that the funds generated by these unlawful activities are finally used to sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from IANS)
