Drug trafficking network busted, two peddlers held

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said that Srinagar police have busted a drug trafficking network. They have arrested two drug peddlers involved in the trafficking of drugs and narcotic substances and recovered substantial quantities of contraband substances from their possession.

A police spokesperson said continuing its stringent crackdown on drug trafficking, a team of police station Parimpora — during checking at Barthana Bund — intercepted a vehicle with two persons on board, who have been identified as Asif Ahmad Sheikh and Arif Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Babapora Barthana.

During search, a substantial quantity of contraband substances was seized from their possession, the police said, adding that both of them have been arrested and the vehicle used in the crime has also been seized.

The two accused persons are hard-core drug peddlers engaged in large-scale narcotic trafficking among the youth.

Arif has been previously involved in another case, the police said.

During the course of the investigation, it came to the fore that Asif had constructed a “double-storeyed house at Babapora Barthana from the proceeds of illegal narcotics trade”.

That property has been seized under the provisions of Section 68 of the NDPS Act with intimation to the competent authority for further legal action, the police said.

Srinagar police appealed to the public to report any instances of drug peddling or other criminal activities they may witness in their surroundings.

“Tackling the menace of drugs is a collective responsibility and we urge everyone to support the police in this vital effort to protect our society. The police are committed to taking strict and lawful action against those involved in such activities. Together, we can create a safer, drug-free community,” the police said.