Srinagar Police have intensified their campaign against narcotics offenders by attaching and freezing immovable properties valued at more than Rs 6.22 crore across six distinct cases prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This significant action underscores the authorities’ commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
In a notable development, Police Station Nigeen executed the attachment of a double-storeyed residential house, complete with an adjacent land parcel, situated in Danihama, Hazratbal. This property, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1.10 crore, is reportedly owned by Mubashir Ashiq, a resident of Saderbal, Hazratbal. The attachment was carried out under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act, stemming from a case registered under Sections 8 and 21 of the same legislation. Investigations by the police indicated that the property in question was acquired through funds generated from illicit drug trafficking activities. The order enforcing the attachment explicitly prohibits any form of sale, transfer, lease, alteration, or the creation of any third-party interest in the property, effectively immobilizing it.
Further reinforcing this crackdown, Police Station Zakura took action by attaching a residential house and land valued at approximately Rs 1.14 crore in the Mulphaq Abu Baker Colony, Hazratbal. This property is linked to Zubair Ahmad Rather, who resides in Lariyal, Tral, and its attachment is in connection with an NDPS case filed under Sections 8 and 20 of the Act. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the police are systematically targeting assets that directly benefit from the proceeds of illegal narcotics trade, aiming to sever the financial lifelines of those involved.
The scope of these actions extended to Police Station Shalteng, which froze a house along with 11.5 marlas of land, collectively valued at around Rs 1 crore. This property is associated with Mohammad Altaf Dar, a resident of Dilawar Colony, Mujgund. Investigators determined that this asset was procured using funds derived from illicit drug trafficking operations. The freezing of these assets is a critical step in preventing their dissipation and ensuring they can be used in accordance with legal provisions aimed at combating drug-related crime.
Another substantial seizure was made by Police Station Ahmad Nagar, which attached a residential property estimated at approximately Rs 2.2 crore. This asset belongs to Owais Ahmad Mir, a resident of Baghat Shoora, Srinagar. The case against Mir is registered under multiple sections of the NDPS Act, including Sections 8, 21, 27-A, and 29, indicating a comprehensive investigation into his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
In parallel operations, Police Station Lal Bazar attached a double-storeyed residential house, accompanied by 3.5 marlas of land, with an estimated value exceeding Rs 35 lakh. This property is linked to Waseem Ahmad Langoo, who resides in Sheikh Colony, Lal Bazar. The attachment signifies the police’s broad approach, targeting properties of varying values to ensure no financial gains from illegal activities remain unchecked.
Adding to the list of attached assets, Police Station Shalteng again intervened, this time freezing a single-storeyed residential house and six marlas of land worth approximately Rs 43 lakh. This property is owned by Riyaz Ahmad Bhat of Panzinara, Srinagar. The police found evidence that this property was acquired from the proceeds of drug trafficking, leading to its freezing under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act. These coordinated actions across different police stations highlight a strategic and widespread effort to disrupt the financial underpinnings of the drug trade in Srinagar.
According to police statements, these measures are integral to their ongoing strategy, which focuses not only on apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking but also on confiscating the assets they accumulate through these illicit activities. By targeting the financial gains, authorities aim to cripple the operational capacity and sustainability of drug trafficking networks, thereby enhancing public safety and security. The total value of the attached and frozen properties now stands at over Rs 6.22 crore, representing a significant blow to the narcotics trade in the region.
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.