Srinagar, Jan 8: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Srinagar Police apprehended two individuals and confiscated 8 kilograms of heroin, reportedly smuggled as part of a cross-border narcotics network.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain, revealed during a press conference that a team from Police Post Qamarwari intercepted a Tata Sumo (registration number JK05D-1837) at Barthana Crossing during a routine checkpoint. Upon inspection of the vehicle, 6 kilograms of heroin were discovered hidden beneath the driver’s seat. Further searches revealed an additional 2 kilograms of heroin, with each of the suspects carrying 1 kilogram in polythene bags.
The suspects have been identified as Anas Ajaz Awan, a resident of Dildar Tangdar in Kupwara, and Zahid Ahmad Sheikh, from Channipora, Tangdar, Kupwara. The seized vehicle and drugs, valued at approximately ₹32 crores in the international market, have been taken into police custody as evidence.
A case has been registered under FIR No. 03/2025 at Police Station Parimpora, invoking sections 8/21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Preliminary investigations suggest the heroin was smuggled from Pakistan as part of an extensive cross-border drug trafficking operation.
The SSP emphasized that the police are actively investigating the network’s backward and forward linkages to dismantle the syndicate and identify all individuals involved.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety. “We are determined to eradicate the drug menace and will spare no effort in bringing those responsible to justice,” SSP Imtiyaz Hussain stated.
The police also urged citizens to contribute to creating a drug-free society by reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or by calling the helpline number 112.
