Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 1 Crore in Anantnag, Arrest Drug Peddlers in Sopore and Handwara

SRINAGAR: In a determined effort to combat drug trafficking and dismantle narcotics networks, the police in Anantnag have attached properties valued at Rs 1 crore under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action is aimed at disrupting the financial infrastructure of the drug trade and sending a strong message to offenders.

In Nowshera Srigufwara, a single-storey residential house and one Kanal of land, worth Rs 20 lakhs, were seized. These assets belong to Bilal Ahmad Rather, implicated in FIR No. 57/2021 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act, linked to the recovery of substantial quantities of narcotics.

In Sirhama Srigufwara, authorities attached a residential house on a one-Kanal plot valued at Rs 40 lakhs, owned by Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie. Ganaie is involved in FIR No. 99/2021 under the NDPS Act, related to a significant contraband recovery.

Another property, a residential house valued at Rs 40 lakhs in Ainoo Aishmuqam, owned by Rouf Ahmad Nanda, was also seized. Nanda is implicated in FIR No. 34/2022 under Sections 8/15-29 of the NDPS Act.

These properties will remain under official custody pending the conclusion of legal proceedings. Police have urged the public to assist in their efforts by sharing information about drug trafficking, emphasising the need for collective action to build a safer, drug-free society.

In a related development, police arrested three drug peddlers in Sopore and Handwara and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

In Sopore, a police team from Tarzoo, led by SHO Police Station Tarzoo under the supervision of SDPO Sopore Sarfaraz Bashir, intercepted a vehicle at a checkpoint in Sofi Hamam. Two suspects, Zahoor Ahmad Malla and Mohammad Shafi Gojri, were found in possession of over 2 kilograms of contraband poppy straw. Both were arrested, and their vehicle was seized. An FIR No. 123/2024 has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, in Handwara, a police team intercepted Ab Rehman Ganie at a checkpoint near Bed College in Unisoo. He was found in possession of 260 grams of contraband Charas-like substance. Ganie was arrested, and a case has been registered for further investigation.

Police continue to appeal to the public for cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and contributing to the fight against drug trafficking.