February 04:`Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police have arrested four drug peddlers in Kulgam & Anantnag and recovered contraband substances from their possession.

In Kulgam, Police parties from Police Station Qazigund during naka checking at Manigam and Bonigam areas of Kulgam intercepted three suspected persons. During checking, 09 grams of Heroin like substance and cash amount of Rs 22,100/- (proceeds of narcotic crime) were recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Javid Ahmad Dar son of Mohd Shaban Dar resident of Bonigam, Azad Ahmad Naikoo son of Sona-ulla Naikoo resident of Nassu Qazigund and Mashkoor Rasool Itoo son of Ghulam Rasool Itoo resident of Naugam Banihal. They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody. Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at Police Station Qazigund and investigation has been initiated.

In Anantnag, on a specific information a police party from Police Station Bijbehara at a special checkpoint established near Fruit Mandi Jablipora Bijbehara intercepted a person identified as Sayar Ahmad Wani son of Gull Mohammad Wani resident of Wopzan Bijbehara. During search, Codeine Phosphate bottles were recovered from his possession. He has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 21/2023 under relevant sections of law stands registered in Police Station Bijbehara and investigation has been taken up.

Community members are requested to come forward with any information regarding drug peddling in their neighbourhood. Persons found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt as per law. Our consistent actions against drug peddlers should reassure the community members that we are making efforts to keep our society free from the scourge of drug menace.```