Srinagar: Police on Thursday arrested 14 alleged drug peddlers in separate operations across the Valley and seized a large quantity of narcotic substances, while a medical shop was sealed in Kulgam for violating rules governing the sale of Schedule H medicines.
A police spokesman in a statement said that in Anantnag, police raided the residence of one Fayaz Ahmad Dar after obtaining a search warrant and recovered 3.99 kilograms of charas powder-like substance. Fayaz Ahmad Dar and his son Arbaz Ahmad Dar were arrested on the spot.
In another operation, the spokesman said, police intercepted a Hyundai i20 bearing registration number JK13J-0803 at Naibasti Marhama and arrested Shahzada Suvaid and Waris-ul-Islam after recovering 488 grams of charas-like substance from their possession.
Police at Anantnag bypass near Danter Bridge also arrested Sajad Ahmad Shah and recovered 106 grams of charas-like substance in stick form and 88 grams in powder form.
In Kulgam, police arrested Danish Khurshid during naka checking at Furrah New Bypass and recovered 110 grams of charas powder-like substance, two grams of heroin-like substance and ₹22,000 in cash, said the spokesman, adding, at Akhran, police apprehended Faruk Ali and recovered 63.31 grams of charas powder-like substance and 2.03 grams of heroin-like substance.
In a separate operation near Kurigam Railway Bridge, police arrested Abdul Qayoom Shah and recovered 109 grams of charas concealed in corn husk. During subsequent investigation, police identified two more persons allegedly linked to the supply chain — Mohd Iqbal Rather and Mukhtar Ahmad Wagay. Searches conducted at their locations led to the recovery of 1.212 kilograms of charas.
In Pulwama, police arrested Abdul Hameed Thoker and recovered six kilograms of semi-crushed cannabis powder from a nylon bag in his possession and at Padgampora in Awantipora, around 29 grams of a heroin-like substance was recovered from Faizan Yousuf Ganie and Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi. Both were arrested.
The spokesman further said that in Sopore, police apprehended Shabir Ahmad Mir, also known as Jana, during patrolling at Brath Crossing. Codeine phosphate bottles and a heroin-like substance were recovered from him, adding, cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered at the concerned police stations and investigations are underway to trace the source and wider network involved in the narcotics trade.
Meanwhile, a joint inspection drive by Police Station Qaimoh and the Drug Department found several medical shops violating norms relating to the sale of Schedule H medicines.
During the drive, RH Medical Store was sealed on the spot for failing to maintain mandatory records required for the sale of Schedule H medicines. Police said several other establishments have been recommended for licence suspension, said the spokesman.
