Srinagar, Nov 2 (HS): J&K Police arrested five drug peddlers in separate operations in Anantnag and Kupwara districts and recovered charas and cannabis from their possession, according to a police statement.

In Anantnag, a police party from Police Station Mattan apprehended Aamir Ayoub Khan, son of Mohd Ayoub Khan and a resident of Khurd Gopalpora, and recovered about 17.8 grams of charas during his search. An FIR (No. 126/2026) was registered under sections 8/20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Mattan.

In a separate operation, a police party from Police Station Srigufwara apprehended Sahil Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Yaqoob Bhat and a resident of Hanji Danter, Anantnag, during a naka check at Pethnoo Crossing. Police recovered 30 grams of cannabis from him and registered FIR No. 111/2026 under sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Srigufwara. The statement said the investigation in both cases is on to establish the forward and backward linkages of the accused.

In Kupwara, a police party apprehended Irshad Ahmad Wani, son of Gh. Nabi Wani and a resident of Awoora, during a naka check at Check-Kali, Lone Mohalla, Alachizab. About 47 grams of a charas-like substance was recovered from him, and a case was registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kupwara.

During questioning, Wani disclosed that he had got the contraband from Zahid Ahmad Lone, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Lone and a resident of Gulgam, Kupwara, who had hidden contraband in his Alto K-10 car (registration no. JK09E-3618). The vehicle was searched and 27 grams of a charas-like substance was recovered. However, Lone is absconding, according to the statement. The vehicle has been seized.

Separately, a police party from Police Post Kalaroos in Kupwara apprehended two persons during a naka check at Thayan Gujran, near the bridge. They were identified as Gh. Hassan Payer, son of Mohd Mukhtar Payer (the driver), and Javid Ahmad Payer, son of Ab. Rehman Payer, both residents of Manigah. About 108.8 grams and 104.4 grams of a charas-like substance were recovered from them respectively. A case was registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, and further investigation has been taken up.

Reiterating its commitment to eradicating the drug menace, the police appealed to the public to cooperate in making the district drug-free.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat