In a major victory for the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir, Kishtwar Police apprehended three notorious smugglers and seized 20 grams of a heroin-like substance on Sunday. The operation, codenamed “Operation SANJEEVNI,” marks a significant step towards eradicating drug abuse in the region.
Acting on a specific tip-off and previous leads, Kishtwar Police, under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Khalil Poswal-JKPS, established special checkpoints at Malipath Kishtwar. During routine vehicle and pedestrian checks, a white Scorpio (JK17A-6891) heading towards Kishtwar from Shalimar was intercepted. Upon thorough inspection, the Naka party discovered approximately 20 grams of a heroin-like substance concealed within the vehicle and on the persons of the three occupants.
The individuals, identified as Asif Kabir Zargar (driver), Arif Hussain (co-driver), and Tariq Irshad, were immediately arrested, and the vehicle was seized. Further investigation revealed that Zargar possessed roughly 6 grams of the substance, while Hussain and Irshad each carried approximately 7 grams.
A case (FIR NO 34/2024 U/S 08/21/22/25/29 NDPS) has been registered at PS Kishtwar, and a thorough investigation is underway.
SSP Poswal commended the efforts of the Naka party and reiterated the police’s unwavering commitment to curbing drug smuggling in Kishtwar. He appealed to the public for their cooperation, urging them to come forward with any information related to drug activity in their communities. Assuring complete confidentiality, SSP Poswal provided a dedicated number, 9906154100, for citizens to share vital information that could aid in further dismantling drug networks.
(Inputs from police statement)
The Chenab Times News Desk