Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, Dec 11, 2025: In a major success against the growing drug menace, District Police Kishtwar on Thursday arrested a notorious drug peddler in Kishtwar town and recovered 4 grams of heroin-like (chitta) substance from his possession during a special patrolling operation at Malipath. The arrest marks yet another breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown and is the 3rd FIR under the NDPS Act registered in the district within a week.
According to officials, a police team of Police Station Kishtwar led by SHO Insp. Firdous Ahmed and assisted by PSI Sofi Ashraf, under the close supervision of Addl. SP Kishtwar Sh. Pardeep Singh Goria (JKPS), noticed a suspicious individual near the Malipath entry point. He was immediately intercepted, and during the personal search, 4 grams of heroin-like substance were recovered.
The accused was identified as Irshad Ahmed S/o Abdul Wahid Bazdar R/o Link Road, Kishtwar. A case under FIR No. 254/2025 U/S 8/21/22 NDPS Act has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway to identify his suppliers, financial links, and other associates involved in the illegal trade.
Earlier, on December 9, Kishtwar Police recovered approximately 12–13 grams of heroin-like substance during routine checking at Shalimar Naka. A truck bearing registration number JK17A/1785 was stopped for inspection, and a man travelling in the cabin was found carrying the narcotics.
He was identified as Amrit Kumar S/o Peyare Lal R/o Lower Poochal, Kishtwar, who was subsequently booked under FIR No. 253/2025 U/S 8/21/22 NDPS Act. Investigation in that case is also in progress to unearth the broader supply chain.
SSP Kishtwar Sh. Naresh Singh (JKPS) stated that District Police Kishtwar has intensified its anti-narcotics drive and registered three FIRs in the last few days alone. He reaffirmed that the police remain committed to eliminating the drug network operating in the district.
Operation Against Drug Networks Intensified
Over the past two years, Kishtwar Police have pursued a comprehensive anti-narcotics strategy under “Operation Sanjeevani,” resulting in a series of arrests, recoveries, and preventive detentions. Several peddlers were arrested across Kishtwar town and its outskirts in 2025, including three in October with recoveries from Chowgan Ground, Malipeth, and other areas.
The police have invoked stringent laws such as the PIT-NDPS Act and Public Safety Act to ensure habitual offenders remain in custody, while financial investigations are being used to dismantle networks by tracing money trails and bank transactions.
Public Cooperation Urged
The SSP has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and share timely information with the police to help eradicate the drug menace and protect the youth of Kishtwar.
