Asif Iqbal Naik
Doda, January 18, 2026:
Tightening its noose against narcotics smuggling, Doda Police, acting on the directions of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Shri Sandeep Mehta, JKPS, arrested an alleged drug peddler—who is a paid Village Defence Guard (VDG) member—and recovered 578 grams of charas-like narcotic substance from his possession.
A naka and traffic checking point was established at Ganpat Bridge, Doda, by a police team from Police Station Doda, led by the SHO PS Doda and IC Police Post Pull Doda, under the supervision of the DySP Headquarters Doda. During naka checking, the police noticed a suspicious person standing near a shed close to the bridge. On noticing the police party, the individual attempted to flee but was promptly apprehended. His vehicle was also seized on the spot.
Upon questioning, the accused was identified as Shravan Kumar, son of Narendra Kumar, resident of Chilly Bhalesa, Tehsil Gandoh, District Doda, who is a paid Village Defence Guard (VDG) member. During his personal search, a white plastic bag was recovered from his possession, which was found to contain 578 grams of a charas-like substance. The accused failed to provide any satisfactory explanation regarding possession of the contraband.
Accordingly, FIR No. 18/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Doda. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and to identify other individuals involved in the drug trafficking network. The conduct and role of the accused, in view of his status as a paid Village Defence Guard, is also being examined as part of the investigation.
Doda Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against drugs and appealed to the general public to share any information related to drug trafficking. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, and stringent legal action will be taken against offenders, irrespective of their position or affiliation.
