Anantnag, Oct 26: Anantnag Police have intensified their crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse, registering eight cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and apprehending seven suspects during a series of operations across the district.
Police said more than 7.86 kilograms of suspected narcotic substances were recovered during the operations, along with the seizure of a vehicle.
In one operation, a team from Police Station Anantnag apprehended Sareer Ahmad Bhat, son of Khazir Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Chirhama Mirbazar, at Nawvathoo Danter. Police said approximately 230 grams of a charas-like substance was recovered from his possession.
In another action, police intercepted a Hyundai i10 bearing registration number JK05B-3181, allegedly being driven by Mohd Altaf Bhat, son of Abdul Majeed Bhat, a resident of Mirdanter. During a search, around 153 grams of a charas-like substance was reportedly recovered. The vehicle was seized and a case was registered under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.
During separate operations at Wazirbagh and behind Police Station Anantnag, police apprehended Bittu Dantani, son of Raju Dantani, originally from Chapur Mehdi Kuwa in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and presently residing at Achabal Adda, Anantnag, along with Ajay Kumar, son of Kishan Kumar, a resident of Verrugam Kadi, Gujarat.
Police said approximately 17 grams of a charas-like substance was recovered from Dantani, while around 22 grams was recovered from Kumar.
Meanwhile, acting on specific information, Police Post Sangam conducted a search at the residential house of Bilal Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Wahab Bhat, a resident of Baliyar Marhama. During the search, approximately 7.170 kilograms of a ganja-like substance was reportedly recovered. The individual was not present at the time of the operation.
In the matter, FIR No. 323/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the suspect.
In another operation, a naka party of Police Post Shairbagh apprehended Danish Manzoor Shaikh, son of Manzoor Ahmad Shaikh, a resident of Janglat Mandi, Anantnag, at High Ground. Police said around 205 grams of a charas-like substance was recovered from his possession.
Similarly, a naka party of Police Station Mattan apprehended Javid Mukhtiyaar Pashoo, son of Mukhtiyaar Ahmad Pashoo, a resident of Gopalpora, Mattan. Police said approximately 52.6 grams of a charas-like substance was recovered from him. FIR No. 123/2026 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Mattan.
In a separate action, a team from Police Post DK Pora apprehended Bashir Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Abdullah Bhat, a resident of Brinty, and reportedly recovered around 15 grams of charas from his possession. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Police said the operations are part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prevent the circulation of narcotic substances in Anantnag district.
Anantnag Police reiterated their commitment to combating drug-related offences and appealed to residents to share credible information regarding drug peddling and trafficking with law enforcement agencies.
Police also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities in efforts to curb substance abuse and protect the younger generation from the harmful effects of drug addiction.
