Srinagar, Apr 10 — Police on Friday said 14 people were arrested and a large quantity of narcotics seized in multiple operations across Kashmir, including a residential raid in Sangam, naka checks at several locations, and action against a medical shop in Kulgam for violations related to Schedule H medicines.
“Fourteen individuals have been arrested and significant quantities of contraband recovered in coordinated operations across the Valley,” police said, adding that investigations are underway to trace sources and wider linkages.
In Anantnag, acting on specific input, police raided a house in Naina Gund Baba Khalil, Sangam, after obtaining a court warrant. “During the search, 3 kg 99 grams of charas powder-like substance was recovered,” officials said. Fayaz Ahmad Dar and his son Arbaz Ahmad Dar were arrested on the spot.
At a checkpoint in Naibasti Marhama, a Hyundai i20 was intercepted and two occupants—Shahzada Suvaid and Waris-ul-Islam, both residents of Tral—were found carrying 488 grams of charas-like substance. In another naka at the Anantnag bypass near Danter bridge, Sajad Ahmad Shah of Hakhoora Badazgaam was held with charas in stick and powder form weighing 194 grams in total.
In Kulgam, a police party at Furrah New Bypass apprehended Danish Khurshid of Redwani, recovering 110 grams of charas, 2 grams of heroin-like substance and ₹22,000 in cash. At Akhran, another suspect, Faruk Ali of Delhi, was found with 63.31 grams of charas and 2.03 grams of heroin-like substance.
In a separate case at Kurigam Railway Bridge, Qazigund, Abdul Qayoom Shah of Dooru was arrested with 109 grams of charas concealed in corn husk. “During further investigation, backward linkages were established,” police said. Subsequent searches in Sirhama led to the involvement of Mohd Iqbal Rather and Mukhtar Ahmad Wagay, with 1.212 kg of charas recovered, exposing a supply chain.
In Pulwama, police at Rahmoo apprehended Ab Hameed Thoker of Thokerpora and recovered 6 kg of semi-crushed cannabis powder from a nylon bag he was carrying.
At Padgampora in Awantipora, two alleged peddlers—Faizan Yousuf Ganie and Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi—were arrested at a checkpoint with around 29 grams of heroin-like substance.
In Sopore, during patrolling at Brath Crossing, Shabir Ahmad Mir alias Jana of Arampora was held with Codeine Phosphate bottles and a heroin-like substance.
Police said cases have been registered at the concerned stations under relevant laws. “Investigations are in progress to ascertain the source and broader network involved,” officials said.
Meanwhile, in Kulgam’s Qaimoh area, a joint drive by police and the Drug Department checked medical shops for compliance with rules governing sale of Schedule H medicines. “Several shops were found violating prescribed norms, particularly maintenance of mandatory records,” officials said, adding that multiple licences have been recommended for suspension.
RH Medical Store was sealed on the spot for failing to meet mandatory requirements, including proper record-keeping, they said.