SRINAGAR: A court in Pulwama has convicted a person from whose possession police had recovered huge quantity of contraband including over a quintal of "Bangh leaves" and 1.2 kgs Charas at Kakapora area of the south Kashmir district in 2018.

"The prosecution has been able to establish and prove its case against the accused beyond all shadow of doubt,"  Principal Sessions Judge Pulwama Naseer Ahmad Dar said, as per copyofthejudgment with GNS, adding, "I accordingly hold the accused namely Abdul Hamid Bhat guilty of the offence punishable u/s 20 of the NDPS Act." The court is likely to announce quantum of punishment on March 22.

According to prosecution story, on 7 October 2018, the police station Kakapora received an information from a reliable source that Bhat has concealed huge quantity of contraband substance in his residential house at Lelhara Kakapora, for illicit trade.

 On this, police filed FIR No. 42 of 2018 under sections 8/20 of NDPS Act. Later a police party under the supervision of DySP HQ proceeded towards Bhat's residential house and during the search  they recovered nine bags of apparently Bangh leaves  besides Charas powder like substance was found in one bag.

The contraband substance was weighed in presence of DySP and was found 104.4 Kgs from nine bags while one bag was found containing 1.200 Kgs Charas. Bhat was subsequently arrested.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Cotinuing its action against drug peddlers, Police in Baramulla attached properties (Single storied residential house & double storied shopping complex with two separate washrooms, worth approx. Rs.60.00 lacs) belonging to  notorious drug peddlers namely Mohd Ayoob Shah & Ghulam Mohammad Shah @ Gulshah both sons of Abdul Khaliq resident of Ladoora Rafiabad, District Baramulla.

The action was taken under sections 68-E read with 68-F (1) of NDPS Act of 1985 & is linked with case FIR No. 18/2024 u/s 8/21 NDPS Act of PS Baramulla.

The property was identified as illegally acquired property during the course of investigation/enquiry conducted by Police. The property was prima facie acquired from illicit trafficking in Narcotic drug and Psychotropic substances by the drug peddlers.

This operation reaffirms the commitment of Police to combat the drug menace. Local people of the area hailed the initiative of Police.

SRINAGAR: Deputy Inspector General of Police Rajiv Omprakash Pande appealed to the youth to remain cautious and not give up to the peer pressure or persuasion from anyone to try the drugs. 

Talking to GNS on the sidelines of a drug de-addiction event held by District Legal Services Authority Srinagar in unison with Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) 'Kashmir Concern' & 'White Globe', the senior cop thanked the lawyer fraternity for organising the event. 

"...Kindly take this message from J&K Police, from the DLSA and the Civil Society of J&K to the people that those who get trapped in drug abuse, tell them to say no even to 'first try'... Never ever go for the 'first try', because it a trap."

"If you do so, you are going to get trapped into this and this (trap) will lead you towards a very dangerous kind of end to your life," Pande said while urging the media to take this message to the people. 

Reiterating, Pande said, "Don't simply go for 'first try' on the persuasion of your friends on any other relative, regarding any synthetic drug or any other drug, kindly refraction from any such act." (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police attached property of a notorious drug peddler in south Kashmir's Kulgam district.  

"Continuing its action against drug peddlers, Kulgam Police attached property (02 storied residential house) belonging to a notorious drug peddler namely Khursheed Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd Ismail Bhat resident of Sopat Devsar under section 68-F of NDPS Act 1985", said a police spokesperson in a statement issued to GNS. 

"The said notorious drug peddler is involved in several NDPS cases including Case FIR No.63/2019 U/S 8/15, 20 NDPS Act, Case FIR No. 11/2021 U/S 8/20, 29 NDPS Act and 31/2021 U/S 8/20, 22 of NDPS Act of police station Devsar", reads the statement.

The property, the statement reads, was identified as illegally acquired property during the course of investigation/enquiry conducted by Police. 

"The property was prima facie acquired from illicit trafficking in Narcotic drug and Psychotropic substances by the drug peddler. The notorious drug peddler is currently under detention at Kote-Bhalwal Jammu under the PIT-NDPS Act."

"This operation reaffirms the commitment of Police to combat the drug menace. Local people of the area hailed the initiative of Police with regard to the attachment of immoveable properties which have been raised/used from illicit trafficking of narcotics by the drug peddler in the district Kulgam", reads the statement further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday arrested five drug peddlers and recovered from their possession contraband, in two districts of Anantnag and Kulgam. 

"Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police busted a drug module by arresting three members of a family in Anantnag and recovered a huge consignment of contraband/ psychotropic substance from their possession", reads a statement issued to GNS. 

"Police in Anantnag received an information through reliable sources that a family comprising (Father, Mother and Son) namely Mohd Ramzan Ganai son of Gh Rasool Ganie, Shahzada Akhter wife of Mohd Ramzan Ganie and Zubair Ramzan Ganai son of Mohd Ramzan Ganie, residents of Seer Hamdan Mattan under a well-planned criminal conspiracy are continuously indulging in illegal trade of illicit alcohol as well as of cannabis charas powder.  Reliable sources also revealed that the trio has concealed a huge quantity of illicit alcohol as well as illicit cannabis charas powder in specially made hideouts in their residential house, Swift Dzire Car, Baleno car and Motor Cycle", the statement reads. 

"In this regard, a case FIR No. 04/2024 under relevant sections of law was registered in the Police Station Mattan and investigation was initiated."

"Accordingly, a search team comprising Anantnag Police and Executive Magistrate concerned raided the spot. During the search of the house, the police party recovered about 9.27 Kgs of Charas powder and 867 Bottles of illicit alcohol which was seized on the spot. All three accused persons were arrested.  Vehicles Swift Dzire, Baleno car, KTM Motorcycle and cash amount of Rs. 13325 (believed to be proceeds of narcotics) was seized. Further investigation in the instant case is going on", reads the statement. 

Similarly, JK Police in Kulgam arrested two drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

"A police party headed by SHO Police Station Qazigund along with Incharge PP Mirbazar at a checkpoint established at Alstop Chowk intercepted a vehicle bearing Registration No. JK14B-2204 with two people on board. They have been identified as Aabid Hussain Peer son of Peer Sirajudin resident of Soaf Shali, Anantnag and Sohail Ahmad Wani son of Mohd Abass Wani resident of Dhamal Anantnag. During checking, officers were able to recover 05 grams of Heroin like contraband substance from their possession", reads a statement issued here. 

Both persons, as per the statement, were arrested and shifted to PS where they remain in custody. A vehicle used in the commission of crime has also been seized.

"Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 05/2024 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Qazigund and investigation has been initiated."

"We urge the common masses that if you witness drug peddling or any other crime anywhere near you, feel free to contact the nearest police establishment or dial 112. People are requested to cooperate with police in curbing the menace of drugs from the society. We reassure the community members that police will act tough against the criminals as per law", reads the statement further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla have booked a wanted drug peddler Shoaib Aijaz Guru under stringent PIT NDPS Act. 

"Acting tough against drug peddlers and to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, Police booked the most wanted and notorious drug smugglers under PIT NDPS Act in Baramulla and lodged him in Central Jail Kot-Bhalwal Jammu", reads a statement issued to GNS. 

"The most wanted and notorious drug smuggler namely Shoaib Aijaz Guru @ Shoaib son of Aijaz Ahmad Guru resident  of Milat Colony Kanis Pora Baramulla has been booked under PIT-NDPS Act after obtaining formal detention orders from the competent Authority", reads the statement. 

"The booked drug smuggler has been detained and subsequently lodged in Central Jail Kot-Bhalwal Jammu."

"Pertinent to mention that many cases are registered against these drug smugglers and were involved in promoting drug abuse trade by supplying drugs to local youth of Town Baramulla & other areas of the District. Despite his involvement in many FIRs he did not mend his activities and was again involved in promoting drug abuse trade by supplying drugs to local youth."

"General public of Baramulla appreciated the role of Police for their action against drug peddlers. Baramulla Police's consistent actions against the drug peddlers should reassure the community members that Baramulla police is making all efforts to keep our society free from drug abuse", reads the statement further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: In a proactive move to tackle the sale of Schedule HI and X drugs, District Magistrate Bandipora issued an order making installation of CCTV cameras mandatory at medical stores across the district.

The directive as per officials is aimed at curbing illicit drug trade and enhancing the monitoring efforts, with strict compliance measures outlined for the timely implementation of the crucial initiative.

 “Whereas, National Commission for protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has prepared a Joint Action Plan on "Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and illicit Trafficking. Whereas. It is imperative to curb the menace and to issue necessary directions to the owners of medical stores functioning in district Bandipora with regard to selling of schedule "III" and "X" drugs and monitoring of their sale,” reads an order issued by Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed, a copy of which lies with GNS.

 “Therefore, I. Dr. Owais Ahmed (IAS), District Magistrate, Bandipora, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, in exercise of powers conferred upon me under Section 133(1) (6) Cr.PC, do hereby issue the following directions for strict compliance:- 1. All the Medical/Pharmacy shops of District Bandipora selling schedule "HI" & "X" drugs as per Rule 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. 1940, shall install CCTV Camera inside their shops. 2. The cameras should cover all significant areas, including the entrance, sales counter, storage areas, and any other locations deemed necessary for comprehensive surveillance,” the order further reads.

 “CCTV cameras installed should be of following technical specifications: a. High-resolution cameras capable of capturing clear images and videos. b. Recording capabilities with a Minimum retention period. c. Adequate lighting to ensure proper visibility during both day and night. d. The ability to provide remote access to the recorded footage for authorized personnel. 4. The installation of CCTV cameras must be completed within 30 days from the receipt of this order. A compliance report, along with photographic evidence of the installed cameras, should be submitted to this office within the stipulated timeframe. 5. The footage of CCTV Cameras be randomly checked by the District Drug Controller. Authority/Child Welfare Police Officer at any time.”

 “Failure to comply with this order may result in legal action, including penalties or other measures as deemed fit under the law. Executive Magistrates shall execute this order within their respective jurisdiction with the help of Police and Drugs Inspector and submit reports accordingly,” the order added. (GNS)

A team from Sheeri Police Station Sheeri at a checkpoint in at Kitchama near the Service Station intercepted two men and a woman coming towards Kitchama on a scooty.

During the search, 776 grams of contraband “Heroin” like substance were recovered from their possession.

The trio were identified as Riyaz Ahmad Ganie and Shokeen Ahmad Ganie - both residents of Batangi Boniyar - and Saleema Begum, who resides at Mother Sheeri. They have been arrested and shifted to Police Station Sheeri where they remain in custody.

A case under relevant sections of the law has been registered. Investigation was on, police added.

The lawkeepers have also urged people to contact the nearest police establishment or dial 112 if they witness drug peddling or any other crime anywhere. “People are requested to cooperate with the police in curbing the menace of drugs from the society. We reassure the community members that police will act tough against the criminals as per law”, an officer said. (UNI)

Lone Musaib

SRINAGAR: In Continuation to organizing awareness programmes on drug abuse under "Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan in the district, a mega event was organised by JKTJAC Baramulla at town hall Tangmarg here on Sunday, 26th November.

Superintendent Of Police, Baramulla, Divya D was Chief guest on the Occasion and Dy.Sp Headquarters Baramulla Peerzada Ajaz Ahmad, Sub District Magistrate Tangmarg, Syed Altaf Hussain Mosvi, Civil Society Forum Chairman, Abdul Qayoom Wani JKTJAC Chairman Saleem Sagar, SHO.Tangmarg, Tawseef Ahmad, Drug Psychologist Ishfaq Qureshi, Principal Alhaq Masoodi  participated as guest of Honours.

Speaking on the Occasion, Superintendent Of Police Baramulla Divya D said that the purpose of organizing this event is to generate awareness among the masses, especially youth about ill effects of drug abuse so that  they can live drug free lives and can become creative and important members of Society.

Addressing the participants, SP Baramulla Diya D said that adolescents are very vulnerable to falling prey to drug addiction.

Several other speakers shared their views regarding the harm effects of drugs and highlighted that it is one's moral obligation as well his/her duty to the society to help end this menace from the society. Addressing the teachers, speakers asserted that teachers and Parents must be cautious and vigil on their Children's activities. JKTJAC honoured the guests and handed over the memento as a token of love and affection.

Later SP. Baramulla Dy.SP. Headquarters Baramulla, Peerzada Ajaz Ahmad, Ab.Qayoom Wani Chairman Civil Society Forum, Chairman JKTJAC UT J&K, SDM Tangmarg Syed Altaf Hussain Mosvi, SHO Tangmarg, Tawseef Ahmad distributed appreciable certificates among the best performing teachers of the Zone.

During the mega event at Tangmarg Jammu Kashmir Teachers Joint Action Committee Chairman Saleem Sagar named most proactive trade union leader of north Kashmir Shiekh Irshad advisor of JKTJAC UT and appreciating his service as trade union leader for the teaching community.

Meanwhile, District President Baramulla Mir Feroz Ali felicitated and appreciated the move of Chairman Saleem Sagar for appointing Shiekh Irshad as advisor and congratulating the JKTJAC Zonal President for hosting a ground-breaking mega event under the theme of Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan at Tangmarg headquarters on 26th November.

A police party of Police Station Baramulla at a checkpoint established at Dewanbagh near Grid Station intercepted one lady, police said on Wednesday.

During the search, 60 grams of a contraband brown sugar-like substance were recovered from her possession. She was identified as Afroza Begum, alias Afree, a resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla, presently staying at Hygam Sopore.

She had been arrested and shifted to PS Baramulla, where she remains in custody, police said.

Similarly, a police party of Police Station Tangmarg at a checkpoint established at Sharai Tangmarg intercepted two people. During their search, 65 grams of contraband Charas-like substances were recovered from their possession.

The duo were identified as Bashir Ahmad Magray, a resident of Drooru, and Javid Ahmad Ganie of Shrai. They have been arrested and shifted to Police Station Tangmarg, where they remain in custody.

Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at police stations Baramulla and Tangmarg, and investigations have been initiated. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Police on Tuesday said that a residential house of a notorious drug peddler was attached in Wachi area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that today residential house of one notorious drug peddler Namely Azad Ahmad Ganaie son of Mohd Yousuf Ganaie resident of Wachi has been attached Under the provisions of 68F of NDPS Act.

The statement further stated that it is pertinent to mention here that the above said drug paddler was involved in case FIR No. 34/2021 US 08/15 NDPS Act of PS Zainapora and from whose possession commercial quantity (144 kg 200 grams) of poppy straw was then recovered. 

The said person  was also booked under PIT NDPS vide Div. Com. Order no. Div com- K/341/2022 dated 30/12/2022, reads the statement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Police attached property of a notorious drug peddler worth lacs in Pulwama.

A police spokesperson said that Police in Pulwama today attached a single-story, under-construction house valued at approximately 7.88 lacs belonging to notorious drug peddler namely Zahoor Ahmad Wani, son of Rehman Wani, located in Jandwall village of Pulwama, District Pulwama under the NDPS Act 1985.

The said house was linked to case FIR No 47/2023 under relevant sections of law of Police Station Rajpora. The investigation proved that the said immovable property was raised/ used for Illicit Trafficking by the drug peddler. (KNT)