Anantnag, June 30, KNT: In one of the biggest narcotics seizures in south Kashmir this year, Anantnag Police on Tuesday arrested a suspected inter-district drug trafficker and recovered 2.613 kilograms of heroin, commonly known as brown sugar, with an estimated international market value of around ₹20 crore.
The recovery was made during routine naka checking at Halmulla, where a police team intercepted a suspicious Maruti Ignis vehicle (registration No. JK09B-2808) for inspection.
During the search of the vehicle, police recovered four packets containing heroin. The driver was identified as Ishtiyak Ahmad Moghal, a resident of Prada, Tangdar, who was immediately taken into custody.
Police said that during the course of investigation, the accused was served a notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act before his personal search was conducted in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure. During the search, one more packet containing heroin was recovered from his possession, taking the total recovery to 2.613 kilograms.
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A case under FIR No. 195/2026 has been registered under Sections 8 and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation has been initiated.
Officials said investigators are working to establish the source of the contraband, identify its intended destination and unravel the entire network involved in the alleged smuggling operation, including both suppliers and recipients.
Police described the seizure as a significant blow to the narcotics trade and reiterated their resolve to act against drug trafficking. They also appealed to the public to share credible information about narcotics-related activities to help curb the menace. [KNT]
