As part of its ongoing crackdown on drug-related crimes, Anantnag Police arrested two alleged drug peddlers in separate operations on Saturday and seized over half a kilogram of contraband substances from their possession.
In the first operation, a police team from Police Station Srigufwara set up a checkpoint at Chenar Crossing in Sirhama. During the naka duty, they intercepted a suspicious motorcyclist who tried to evade the checkpoint. The alert police team quickly apprehended the rider, identified as Faizan Ahmad Bhat, son of Gh. Hassan Bhat, a resident of Marhama.
Upon checking the motorcycle (bearing registration number JK11C-0712), officers recovered 300 grams of cannabis powder concealed under the seat. The contraband was seized and the accused taken into custody on the spot.
In a separate incident, another police team from Police Station Uttersoo laid a naka at Padderpora in the Chittergul area. One individual, upon spotting the police, attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief chase. He was identified as Gulzar Ahmad Hajam, son of Nund Hajam, a resident of Padderpora, Chittergul.
During the personal search, police recovered around 250 grams of charas powder hidden in a polythene bag. The substance was seized and the accused arrested on the spot.
A police spokesperson said that both individuals have been booked under relevant sections of law and investigations are underway. “Anantnag Police remains committed to uprooting the drug menace from the district. We urge the public to share information related to drug peddling, and assure that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential,” the spokesperson added.