Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 29: Police in Kupwara today detained a peddler involved in cross-border drug smuggling under Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS) Act.
Authorities have named the peddler as Zakir Hussain Ghakahd, son of Abdullah Ghakahd resident of Karnah, “involved in cross-border drug smuggling.”
The detention, police said, was ordered by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, under Order No. DIVCOM-“K”/73/2025 dated 26-04-2025.
“Zakir Hussain has been found actively involved in cross-border drug smuggling and was procuring narcotics from various sources, including from across the border, and distributing them through a network of local drug peddlers, primarily targeting school and college students,” police said.
As per police, the proceeds from this illegal trade were being used to fund terror-related activities in the valley, “contributing to increased drug addiction and criminal behavior among local youth.”
“His involvement came to light following the operation by Police Station Karnah which led to the busting of a narco-terror module.”
During the said operation, as per police, 7 kilograms of heroin and two live IEDs were recovered from a vehicle, and several associates of Zakir Hussain were arrested.
Subsequent investigation revealed that Zakir Hussain was the main supplier of the seized contraband, police said.
“Though his name did not initially appear in FIR No. 38/2022, his role surfaced during the investigation, leading to the framing of charges against him,” police said.
He, as per police, was later released on bail but continued his involvement in drug trafficking and terror-related activities.
“In light of continued threats to public safety, preventive detention under PIT NDPS was deemed necessary.”
Meanwhile, a police team of Police Station Pattan at a checkpoint established at Kalsari near Grid Station Pattan, intercepted a person identified as Jahangir Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani resident of Kharnipora Tangmarg.
“During search 7 Sticks (194 grams) wrapped in maize cortex contraband Charas-like substance was recovered from his possession,” police said.
He has been arrested and a case FIR No. 78/2025 under sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Pattan and further investigation has been initiated.
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