Anantnag, Jan 12: In a major crackdown on illegal activities, police in Anantnag have arrested three family members for running a large-scale operation involving illicit alcohol and cannabis (charas powder).
A police spokesperson said that Anantnag Police received reliable information indicating that a family, comprising the father, mother, and son—Mohd Ramzan Ganai (son of Ghulam Rasool Ganie), Shahzada Akhter (wife of Mohd Ramzan Ganie), and Zubair Ramzan Ganai (son of Mohd Ramzan Ganie) of Seer Hamdan, Mattan — is allegedly engaged in illegal trade of illicit alcohol and cannabis charas powder, as part of a well-planned criminal conspiracy.
“The reliable source also revealed that the trio has concealed a substantial quantity of illicit alcohol, as well as illicit cannabis charas powder, in specially made hideouts within the kitchen store, guest room wardrobe, Swift Dzire, Baleno car, and motorcycle,” he said.
He said that in pursuance thereof, a search team comprising Anantnag Police, accompanied by the Executive Magistrate concerned, led to the recovery and seizure of a significant amount of illicit alcohol, as well as illicit contraband cannabis charas powder.
“During the search, the team recovered 867 bottles of illicit alcohol and 9.27 kilograms of Charas powder, which were seized on the spot,” he said.
HeHsaid that the team also recovered a cash amounting to Rs 13,325 from the involved family. All three individuals have been booked, and vehicles, including the Swift Dzire, Baleno Car, and KTM Motorcycle, were seized.
The police have registered a case under FIR No. 04/2024, invoking sections 8/20, 29 of the NDPS Act, and 48, 50 of the Excise Act.
Drug peddler with brown sugar nabbed in Shopian
Paul Shahid
Shopian, Jan 12: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, police in Shopian have arrested a drug peddler and seized brown sugar worth lakhs during a naka checking near Narwaw-Rawalpora crossing.
The accused identified as Showkat Ahmad Naikoo, a resident of Saidpora, Shopian, was traveling in his Pvt Vehicle THAR bearing registration No. HP52D 5551. The accused was found carrying a significant quantity of brown sugar, confirmed police officials.
“During our duty, we set up a checkpoint near Narwaw,” said a police official. “During vehicle searches, we intercepted Naikoo and found a suspicious package in his possession. Upon inspection, it turned out to be brown sugar.”
The amount of the seized drug has not been officially revealed yet, but initial estimates suggest it could be worth several hundred lakh rupees. The case is currently under investigation, and police are trying to determine the source of the drugs and Naikoo’s network.
“We are committed to curbing the drug menace in Shopian,” said the official. “This arrest is a significant blow to the drug trade, and we will continue to take strict action against anyone involved in this illegal activity.”
