Kishtwar Police goes tough against drug syndicate, Nab 3 Notorious Peddlers, Recover Heroin & Cash 24800

4 Min Read

Asif Iqbal Naik

Kishtwar, October 21, 2025:
Continuing its decisive campaign against the growing menace of narcotics, Kishtwar Police has intensified its anti-drug operations under a comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling drug networks in the district. In a major success, three notorious drug peddlers were apprehended in two separate operations, resulting in the recovery of over 14 grams of heroin-like substance and ₹24,800 in cash from their possession.

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On October 20, 2025, a patrolling team from Police Station Kishtwar, led by SI Lal Hussain, was deployed at sensitive locations in Kishtwar town. During patrolling at Chowgan Ground, the team intercepted and apprehended two notorious peddlers, locally known as the Khanday Brothers, identified as:
1. Mohd Iqbal Khanday, and
2. Mohd Yaseen Khanday,
both sons of Mohd Iqbal Khanday, residents of Keshwan, presently residing at Shaktinagar, Kishtwar.

On their personal search, 08 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from their possession.

In another operation conducted early this morning at around 4:50 AM, a team from Police Post Shalimar, led by PSI Sofi Ashraf, while patrolling in the Malipeth area, apprehended another notorious peddler identified as Ajaz Ahmed Khanday, son of Khushi Mohd Khanday, resident of Thakrie, presently residing at Girinagar, Kishtwar. Upon his personal search, 5.5 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from his possession.

Previous History of the Accused

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused are habitual offenders and have been previously involved in multiple NDPS-related cases in Kishtwar and adjoining areas. Mohd Iqbal Khanday and Ajaz Ahmed Khanday were also detained earlier under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for their repeated involvement in drug trafficking. Despite facing legal action in the past, they continued their illegal trade, playing with the lives of innocent youths and spreading addiction in society.

Iqbal Khanday was previously arrested in FIR No. 83/2023 and FIR No. 42/2024 under the NDPS Act, while Ajaz Ahmed Khanday has remained under surveillance for his continuous role in the local drug supply chain.

In the present cases, FIR No. 215/2025 and FIR No. 217/2025 have been registered under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kishtwar. Police teams are now investigating the backward and forward linkages of these cases to trace the source of the contraband and identify others associated with the network.

J&K Police’s Ongoing Crackdown on Narcotics

These arrests are part of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s intensified crackdown on the narcotics trade across the Union Territory. In recent months, J&K Police has busted several major drug networks, seized large quantities of contraband, and attached assets worth crores earned through narco-trade. The drive is part of a broader mission to make Kishtwar and other districts drug-free.

Official Statement

Speaking on the operation, SSP Kishtwar Sh. Naresh Kumar said,

“Kishtwar Police is fully committed to eradicating the drug menace from society. Those involved in this illegal trade will be dealt with an iron hand, irrespective of their past record or influence. We appeal to parents and community elders to stay vigilant and report any drug-related activities. Together, we can safeguard our youth and ensure a healthier, drug-free Kishtwar.”

Police have reaffirmed that such operations will continue with greater intensity in the coming days to completely dismantle the drug networks operating in the region.

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