Handwara, Sept 20: Police in Handwara apprehended a man during a naka checking operation on Saturday and recovered heroin-like substance from his possession. Officials confirmed that the man has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
According to police, a naka checking was established near HDFC Bank in Handwara town. During the operation, a person identified as Jahangir Ahmad Ganie, son of Ghulam Mohammad Ganie, a 40-year-old local of Bohipora Kupwara, was intercepted and searched. From his possession, police recovered around seven grams of a substance resembling heroin.
The individual, whose profession is recorded as domestic work, was immediately taken into custody. A formal case under FIR No. 215/2025 has been registered at Police Station Handwara under sections 8 and 21 of the NDPS Act.
Police sources said that preliminary investigation has been initiated and further questioning of the accused is underway to ascertain the source of the contraband and whether more individuals are involved in the illegal trade.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curb the rising drug menace in north Kashmir, which has been a growing concern for both locals and law enforcement agencies. Senior officers in Handwara Police stated that more naka checking operations and surprise raids will continue in coming days to tighten the grip on narcotic smuggling and consumption.
Locals in the area have also expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse, particularly among youth, and have urged authorities to intensify measures to dismantle the networks operating in Kupwara and Handwara belt.
Police have appealed to the public to share credible information about drug peddling in their areas so that timely action can be taken. They added that identity of informers will be kept strictly confidential.
The arrested individual remains in police custody while investigation continues. [KNT]
