August 19: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and the illegal trade of narcotic substances, Police in Budgam arrested two suspected drug peddlers and recovered contraband substance from his possession.

The operation was carried out by a police team of Police Post Narbal near the Fisheries Department. During naka checking, the police team intercepted a truck (trailer) bearing registration number PB06L-2575, which was travelling from Magam towards Srinagar. During a thorough search of the vehicle, two nylon bags containing poppy straw-like substance weighing 11.240 kilograms were recovered concealed beneath the seat. The driver and co-passenger of the vehicle were identified as Iqbal Masih, son of Kulla Masih, and Akshay Masih son of Mohan Masih, both residents of Gurdaspur, Punjab. Both individuals were arrested on the spot for further investigation.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 116/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Magam, and investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source of the contraband and to identify other persons or links associated with the drug network.
Police reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating the menace of drugs and will continue to intensify its efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle networks involved in drug trafficking, while taking strict legal action against those engaged in the illicit trade of narcotic substances.