Drug Syndicates Hit Hard: Record 166 Kg Seizure Marks Biggest Bust in Anantnag
Arif Rashid
Anantnag, April 27: In what is being described as the largest narcotics seizure in a single day in district Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir Police have dealt a major blow to the drug network by recovering over 166 kilograms of contraband, including ganja and charas, besides seizing ₹18,700 cash believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking, while four major players in the narcotics chain were detained in multiple coordinated operations.
The massive crackdown, carried out across different police jurisdictions including Srigufwara, Dialgam and Bijbehara, is being seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-drug campaign, particularly amid the district police’s intensified Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.
Officials said the seizures were made through a combination of specific intelligence inputs, strategic naka checking and targeted searches, exposing what appears to be an organized network of narcotics movement and storage.
110 Kilograms Ganja Recovered at Shalgam Crossing
In the first and biggest operation, a police team from Police Station Srigufwara, during routine patrolling at Shalgam Crossing, intercepted an Alto vehicle bearing registration JK01W-7328.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, police recovered approximately 110 kilograms of ganja, making it one of the largest single recoveries in recent years in the district.
The accused, identified as Nazir Ahmad Khatana, son of Faqeer Khatana, resident of Gujar Basti Shalgam, was arrested on the spot.
Police have registered FIR No. 39/2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and further investigation has been taken up to ascertain supply links, intended distribution routes and possible interstate connections.
51 Kilograms Charas Recovered in Dialgam House Raid
In another major breakthrough, a police team from Police Post Dialgam, acting on credible information and after obtaining a lawful search warrant from the competent court, conducted a raid at the residence of Mohd Rafiq Itoo of Watrigam Dialgam.
During the search, police recovered approximately 51 kilograms of charas-like substance, believed to have been stored for illicit trafficking.
Following the seizure, FIR No. 119/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act was registered and investigations were launched to trace the wider network linked to the accused.
5 Kilograms Charas Powder Seized at Sakhras
Continuing the anti-narcotics offensive, Police Station Srigufwara, during naka checking at Sakhras Crossing, apprehended another individual identified as Rayees Ahmad Shah, son of Gull Mohammad Shah, resident of Wullarhama.
On his search, police recovered around 5 kilograms of charas powder, leading to his immediate arrest.
A case under FIR No. 40/2026 u/s 8/20 NDPS Act has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Cash, Contraband Recovered in Bijbehara Action
In a separate operation, Police Station Bijbehara apprehended another alleged drug peddler during naka checking at Doodnad Waghama.
Police recovered 170 grams of charas-like substance along with ₹18,700 cash, suspected to be proceeds generated through narcotics trade.
An FIR bearing No. 111/2026 under Section 8/20 NDPS Act has been registered and the accused remains under investigation.
Major Blow to Drug Syndicates
With cumulative recoveries crossing 166 kilograms, the operation is being viewed as a substantial strike against drug syndicates operating in South Kashmir.
Security observers say the volume of recovery points to trafficking patterns much larger than street-level peddling and may indicate supply chains with deeper logistical support.
The simultaneous operations across multiple points have also reinforced the growing intensity of law enforcement efforts against narcotics networks in the region.
Police Reaffirm Zero-Tolerance Against Drugs
Anantnag Police reiterated its unwavering commitment to eradicate the drug menace and said the campaign against narcotics will continue with greater force.
Officials appealed to the public, especially youth and community elders, to support the fight against drugs by sharing credible information regarding peddlers, suppliers and illegal narcotics activities.
Police maintained that public cooperation remains crucial in dismantling networks that threaten the social fabric and future of the younger generation.
The record seizure comes amid sustained enforcement measures and is likely to be seen as one of the most significant anti-narcotics achievements in the district in recent times.
