SRINAGAR 30 Jun : Anantnag Police on Tuesday arrested an inter-district drug smuggler and recovered 2.613 kilograms of heroin (brown sugar), estimated to be worth around Rs 20 crore in the illicit international market, dealing a significant blow to narcotics trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a police spokesperson, the recovery was made during routine naka checking at Halmulla, where a police team intercepted a suspicious Ignis vehicle bearing registration number JK09B-2808 for inspection. During a thorough search of the vehicle, police recovered four packets containing heroin (brown sugar) concealed inside.
The accused was identified as Ishtiyak Ahmad Moghal, son of Abdul Rasheed Moghal, a resident of Prada, Tangdar. Following the recovery, police registered FIR No. 195/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and an investigation was launched.
During the course of the investigation, the accused was served a notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act, ensuring compliance with the mandatory legal procedure governing personal searches. Thereafter, his personal search led to the recovery of one additional packet of heroin (brown sugar) from his possession.
With the latest recovery, the total quantity of heroin seized in the operation reached 2.613 kilograms, making it one of the most significant recoveries by Anantnag Police in recent years.
Police said the accused has been formally arrested and is being questioned to trace the source of the contraband, identify its intended destination and expose the entire narcotics syndicate, including both backward and forward linkages involved in the smuggling network.
The investigation is also focused on identifying other individuals connected with the interstate and inter-district drug supply chain, officials said.
Reaffirming its commitment to eradicating the menace of narcotics, Anantnag Police said it will continue to take stringent legal action against drug traffickers and all those involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
Police also appealed to the public to cooperate in the fight against drugs by sharing credible information regarding narcotics-related activities, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
The successful operation is being seen as another major achievement in Anantnag Police’s sustained campaign against drug trafficking and its ongoing efforts to make society drug-free.
