Police arrest three drug peddlers in Budgam, Handwara

Srinagar, Jan 31: Police have arrested three drug peddlers in Budgam and Handwara and recovered contraband substances from their possession.
Police Post Mochwa received information from reliable sources that a person Saqlain Mushtaq son of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat resident of Batpora Chadoora has concealed contraband substance at his residential house. Following the information, a search warrant was obtained from Hon’ble Court. Subsequently, a police team of Police Post Mochwa raided the house and conducted the search in the presence of the concerned Executive Magistrate, a police spokesman said in a statement.
During search, 545 grams of charas like substance, 230 grams of grinded charas like substance and 33.10 Kg of semi grinded cannabis leaves were recovered from the said location. He was accordingly arrested and a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated, police said.
In Handwara, during naka checking at Baghatpora Crossing, a police team from Police Station Handwara intercepted a suspicious individual carrying a bag. During the search, 8.93 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Ashiq Ahmad Shah son of Mohd Subhan Shah resident of Kachwari Handwara. In another operation at Badkote Handwara, a police team intercepted a person identified as Bilal Ahmad Najar son of Gh Nabi Najar resident of Badrehar Handwara. During the search, 63 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession, police said.
Regarding the incidents, police said that cases under relevant sections of law have been registered in Police Station Handwara. Investigations are underway to trace further links in the drug trade.
J&K Police remains resolute in its mission to eliminate drug-related activities in the area and safeguard the community. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and report drug peddling activities to the nearest police station, ensuring collective action against the menace of drug addiction and trafficking, the statement reads.