Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday said it arrested 14 drug peddlers and seized a huge quantity of narcotic substances in multiple operations across the Valley, in a major crackdown against drug trafficking.
A medical shop was also sealed in Kulgam for violating mandatory norms governing the sale of Schedule H medicines.
Police said in Anantnag district, acting on specific inputs, police conducted a raid at a residence in Naina Gund Baba Khalil, Sangam, after obtaining a search warrant from a court. During the search, 3.99kg of charas powder-like substance was recovered.
The accused, Fayaz Ahmad Dar and his son Arbaz Ahmad Dar, were arrested on the spot.
In a separate operation, a patrol party at Naibasti Marhama Anatnag intercepted a car and recovered 488 grams of charas-like substance from two individuals. Another naka at the Anantnag bypass near Danter bridge led to the arrest of one person, with police recovering over 190 grams of charas in both stick and powder form.
In Kulgam, multiple operations were carried out. At Furrah New Bypass, a suspect was apprehended with 110 grams of charas, 2 grams of heroin, and Rs 22,000 in cash. Another individual was arrested at Akhran with over 63 gm of charas and a small quantity of heroin. In a separate case, police at Qazigund recovered 109 grams of charas concealed in corn husk from a drug peddler.
Further investigation into the Qazigund case led to the busting of a larger supply chain. Police conducted searches in Sirhama, Anantnag, and recovered 1.212 kg of charas, identifying additional accused involved in the network.
In Pulwama, police seized 6 kg of semi-crushed cannabis powder from a suspect in Rahmoo area.
Meanwhile, in Awantipora, two drug peddlers were arrested at a checkpoint near the railway station, with around 29 grams of heroin-like substance recovered from their possession.
In Sopore, a suspect was apprehended during patrolling at Brath Crossing. Police recovered Codeine Phosphate bottles along with a heroin-like substance from his possession.
Police said cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and investigations are underway to trace the source and wider network involved in the narcotics trade.
Meanwhile, in a separate action, police in coordination with the Drug Department carried out an extensive inspection drive in Qaimoh. Several medical shops were found violating norms related to the sale of Schedule H medicines, particularly in maintaining mandatory records.
One establishment was sealed on the spot, while others have been recommended for suspension of their licenses, police said.
