Intensifying its campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Anantnag Police on Monday arrested two alleged drug peddlers in separate operations and recovered more than 1.25 kilograms of charas and charas powder, along with cash suspected to be proceeds of the illicit trade.
According to police, a team from Police Post Sherbagh intercepted a suspicious individual during routine naka checking at Sarnal near Pehru Crossing. During the search, police recovered 1.198 kilograms of charas powder from his possession.
The accused was identified as Shahid Rafiq Nanda, son of Rafiq Ahmad Nanda and a resident of Nandpora, Anantnag. Following the recovery, Police Station Anantnag registered FIR No. 179/2026 under Section 8/20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation was initiated.
In a separate operation, a police team from Police Station Bijbehara apprehended another alleged drug peddler during naka checking at Kerikadal. The accused, identified as Mohd Shafi Lone, son of Ghulam Mohi Din Lone and a resident of K. Kalan, Bijbehara, was found in possession of 56 grams of charas-like substance.
Police also recovered ₹6,000 in cash from his possession, which is suspected to have been generated through drug peddling activities. In this connection, FIR No. 162/2026 under Sections 8/29 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Bijbehara, and further investigation is underway.
Overall, police recovered more than 1.254 kilograms of charas and charas powder during the two operations.
Anantnag Police reiterated its commitment to eradicating the drug menace and urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to drug peddling and substance abuse.
Police emphasized that active community participation remains crucial in the collective effort to build a drug-free and safer society.
