Srinagar, Sept 08: In a resolute move against drug dealers plaguing the northern town of Handwara, police have taken decisive action by invoking the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against three notorious drug peddlers with a history of drug trafficking across various areas of Handwara.
According to official sources, these individuals have a track record of multiple arrests in the past. They were not only detained but also provided counseling in a bid to dissuade them from their drug-related activities, but their persistence in the trade led to their continued run-ins with the law.
The culprits, identified as Bilal Ahmad Khan of Wadipora Handwara, Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat ilas ( Inaa Maam), and Ajaz Ahmad Dar, both residents of Herpora Handwara have long been involved in the illicit drug trade within the region.
Following persistent and intensive efforts, the Handwara police successfully apprehended these individuals, subsequently booking them under the unforgiving provisions of the PSA.
Furthermore, the Handwara police have recorded a staggering 46 First Information Reports (FIRs) and have arrested approximately 70 individuals, of which six have established themselves as repeat offenders in the drug trade. Additionally, 11 individuals are currently detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic provisions.
The residents of Handwara have widely praised the unwavering efforts of the local police in cracking down on drug peddlers and expressed the urgent need for these actions to continue in order to ensure a drug-free environment within the town.
A local shopkeeper at the main chowk in Handwara commended the significant strides taken by the Handwara police in the past year against drug peddlers. He lauded their relentless commitment, expressing optimism about the town becoming drug-free in the near future.
The commendable efforts of Superintendent of Handwara, Sheema Nabi, have been acknowledged by the people in general. They said since her appointment, there has been a noticeable transformation in the town.
Confirming the imposition of PSA on the trio in Handwara, SP Sheema Nabi underscored the ongoing efforts to eradicate the drug menace from the town. She emphasized the invaluable support from the public and highlighted the organization of medical camps geared towards raising awareness about drug de-addiction among the youth.
