Anantnag, June 30: In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Anantnag Police on Tuesday arrested an inter-district drug smuggler and seized 2.613 kilograms of heroin (brown sugar), valued at approximately ₹20 crore in the illicit international market, in one of the district’s biggest drug recoveries in recent years.
According to police, the seizure 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 a thorough search of the vehicle, officers recovered four packets of heroin concealed inside.
The accused has been identified as Ishtiyak Ahmad Moghal, son of Abdul Rasheed Moghal, a resident of Prada, Tangdar. Following the recovery, police registered FIR No. 195/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act, and an investigation was immediately launched.
During the investigation, police served the accused with a notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act, complying with the mandatory legal procedure governing personal searches. His subsequent personal search led to the recovery of one more packet of heroin, taking the total seizure to 2.613 kilograms.
Police said the accused has been formally arrested and is being intensively questioned to ascertain the source of the contraband, identify its intended destination, and dismantle the wider narcotics network. Investigators are also working to establish both the backward and forward linkages of the drug supply chain and identify other individuals associated with the interstate and inter-district smuggling racket.
Describing the seizure as a significant success in the fight against narcotics, Anantnag Police reiterated its commitment to eliminating drug trafficking and taking strict legal action against those involved in the illegal trade.
Police also appealed to the public to assist in the anti-drug campaign by sharing credible information regarding narcotics-related activities, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
