Kupwara: In a significant step towards dismantling narco-terror networks, police in Kupwara have detained a notorious cross-border drug smuggler under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, said a spokesperson.
“The accused, Zakir Hussain Ghakahd, son of Abdullah Ghakahd and a resident of Karnah, was detained following an order issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, under Order No. DIVCOM-“K”/73/2025 dated April 26, 2025,” the spokesperson said.
“Zakir Hussain is accused of playing a key role in cross-border narcotics trafficking, procuring heroin from sources including across the Line of Control (LoC), and distributing it locally through a network of drug peddlers. Investigations revealed that the syndicate primarily targeted vulnerable youth, especially school and college students, and used the illicit proceeds to fund terror-related activities in the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
“The police crackdown stems from a major operation conducted by Police Station Karnah, during which a narco-terror module was busted. Authorities recovered 7 kilograms of heroin and two live improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from a vehicle linked to the network. Several of Zakir Hussain’s associates were arrested, and although his name was not initially mentioned in FIR No. 38/2022, subsequent investigation identified him as the key supplier of the contraband,” the spokesperson said.
“Despite being released on bail, Hussain reportedly continued his involvement in drug trafficking and maintained ties to terror networks, posing a sustained threat to public safety. The preventive detention under the PIT NDPS Act was deemed necessary to curb his activities and safeguard the community,” he added.
