SRINAGAR: In a landmark operation, Srinagar Police has disrupted a significant inter-state drug trafficking network while probing Case FIR No. 136/2024 under sections 8/22-29 of the NDPS Act. The breakthrough highlights the department’s unwavering resolve to eradicate the narcotics menace.
Following an exhaustive investigation that included tracking bank transactions and communication records, two prime suppliers, Raju Gupta from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Abrar from Bhajanpura, Delhi, were identified as key sources funneling narcotics to local distributors.
A police team led by SI Amandeep Singh of Police Post Noorbagh conducted a rigorous 10-day operation in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi with local police assistance. Gupta was arrested on January 23, 2025, in Bareilly, and Abrar was detained a day later in Bhajanpura. After obtaining transit remands, both suspects were brought to Srinagar for further questioning.
Additionally, authorities identified a suspicious courier parcel linked to the accused in Loni, Ghaziabad. Efforts are underway to retrieve it after securing legal clearance. Financial dealings and assets of the accused are being scrutinized, with a potential attachment of properties under the NDPS Act.
The investigation stems from a routine checkpoint operation on November 8, 2024, at Tarbal Chowk, Srinagar, where three local drug peddlers—Aijaz Ahmad Ganie (Athwajan Pantha Chowk), Owais Ahmad Gojri (Brari Pora), and Mir Roman (Ali Masjid Eidgah)—were arrested. Seized items included 140 bottles of codeine phosphate, ₹38,530 in suspected drug money, three mobile phones, and a drone allegedly used to track buyers.
This operation ultimately uncovered connections leading to Gupta and Abrar, further expanding the scope of the investigation.
On January 24, Srinagar Police destroyed 121 kilograms of seized narcotics at an authorized incineration facility in Lassipora, Pulwama, as part of a nationwide anti-drug campaign under the direction of India’s Home Minister.
The intensified crackdown has yielded significant results. Recently, police seized 290 bottles of codeine phosphate in Pantha Chowk, filed an FIR under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act, and intercepted a large drug consignment at Chota Bazar.
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Further, on January 12, authorities froze over 100 bank accounts linked to narcotics traders, holding large sums of illicit money.
Properties worth crores of rupees acquired through drug trafficking have also been attached under Section 68F of the NDPS Act.
In a separate operation on January 8, police seized 8 kilograms of heroin and detained two traffickers.
Throughout 2024, Srinagar Police registered 94 cases under the NDPS Act, arresting 156 individuals and detaining 26 others under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.