Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended three individuals suspected of drug trafficking in separate operations across the Samba and Kathua districts. During these coordinated efforts, a significant quantity of heroin was recovered from the arrested peddlers. In a parallel development, authorities in the Doda district have moved to attach the immovable property of another individual previously booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The first arrest occurred in the SIDCO chowk area of Samba district on Saturday. Surjeet Kumar was intercepted by police personnel while riding a motorcycle. A thorough search of his person led to the discovery of 8.23 grams of heroin. The motorcycle he was using has also been confiscated by the authorities. As per information available with Tahir Rihat, this operation underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the drug trade within the region.
Continuing their vigilance, police in Samba district also apprehended Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Haria Chak. A police patrolling party intercepted Sanjeev Kumar in the Bari Brahamana area. During a subsequent frisking, 6.23 grams of heroin were found in his possession. These seizures highlight the ongoing efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir Police to disrupt drug supply chains operating within the Union Territory.
In Kathua district, the police arrested Shamas Din. The recovery of five grams of heroin was made from him during a routine checking operation conducted near Kukey chak late on Saturday. All three individuals arrested in Samba and Kathua have been booked under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigations into their alleged involvement in drug peddling are currently underway, with police seeking to uncover wider networks and potential accomplices.
In a separate but related action, the police in Doda district have taken steps to attach the immovable property belonging to Zaher Abbass. This individual had recently been booked in an NDPS case. The attached property is valued at over Rs 20 lakh. The seizure of assets is being carried out under Section 68F of the NDPS Act, a measure designed to cripple the financial capabilities of drug traffickers. An official attachment notice has been prominently displayed at the site of the property to alert the public. This notice explicitly prohibits any sale, purchase, lease, transfer, or the creation of any third-party interest in the property, thereby ensuring its preservation for further legal proceedings.
A police spokesman emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to intensifying efforts aimed at eradicating the drug menace from the community. The spokesman urged the public to remain vigilant and to actively assist law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities that may be related to drug trafficking. These operations reflect a multi-pronged strategy by the police, involving both direct interdiction of drug couriers and the confiscation of assets derived from illicit activities, as reported by the police on Sunday.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.