Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, June 23: In a continuing crackdown against drug trafficking, Kulgam Police arrested three drug peddlers and recovered a significant quantity of contraband substances from their possession.
Acting on specific inputs, a team from Police Component Nillow established a checkpoint at Arreh. During the checking, an auto-rickshaw bearing registration number JK18D-3833 was intercepted. Upon search, 8.1 kilograms of poppy straw-like contraband were recovered from the vehicle. The two individuals travelling in the vehicle — Nazir Ahmad Kumar, son of Bashir Ahmad Kumar, a resident of Awhatoo, Kulgam (driver), and Ghulam Rasool Malla, son of Mohammad Ismail Malla, resident of Khudwani — were arrested on the spot. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was also seized.
In a separate operation, Kulgam Police, acting on a credible tip-off, raided the residential house of Murad Ahmad Behroo, son of Ghulam Mohammad Behroo, resident of Matalham. In the presence of an Executive Magistrate, the search led to the recovery of 800 grams of poppy straw-like substance. The accused house owner was immediately taken into custody.
Accordingly, cases under FIR No. 66 and 67/2025 under sections 8/15 of the NDPS Act have been registered at Police Station Kulgam, and further investigations are underway.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information related to drug peddling or other criminal activities by dialling 112 or contacting the nearest police station. “Your cooperation is vital in the fight against the drug menace. We remain committed to taking strict action against such offenders,” a police spokesperson said.