Bandipora, May 11(KNS): In a major crackdown against narcotics under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Bandipora Police on Monday intensified its anti-drug operations by attaching property of an alleged drug peddler in Ajas and destroying illegally cultivated poppy crops in multiple areas of Sumbal subdivision.

 

According to officials, Jammu and Kashmir Police attached an immovable property worth nearly ?20 lakh belonging to Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, son of Late Abdul Kalam Rather, a resident of Rather Mohalla Ajas. The action was taken under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act in connection with FIR No. 103/2023 registered under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act at Police Post Ajas.

 

Police said investigations revealed that the property was allegedly acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking activities. Officials stated that the move forms part of the ongoing campaign aimed at dismantling the financial networks of drug peddlers and taking stringent action against those involved in the narcotics trade.

 

Meanwhile, in another significant development, a joint anti-drug enforcement operation was conducted in the Sarie Dangerpora area of Sumbal by the Police Department in coordination with the Revenue, Agriculture, and Excise Departments. During the operation, officials detected illegally cultivated poppy crops spread across agricultural land and destroyed them on the spot as per legal procedures.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

In this connection, the police registered FIR No. 103/2026 under Sections 8 and 18 of the NDPS Act, and investigations have been initiated to identify the individuals involved and ascertain the wider network behind the illegal cultivation.

 

In a separate action, Police Station Sumbal also busted illegal poppy cultivation in the village Gadakhud Gaamdu after receiving specific information regarding unlawful cultivation of poppy plants by some farmers on their occupied land.

 

Following the input, FIR No. 102/2026 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act was registered and investigations were immediately set into motion. Joint raids were subsequently conducted by teams from the Police, Excise, Revenue, and Agriculture Departments.

 

Officials said all legal formalities were completed on the spot, while the illegally cultivated poppy straw was destroyed by the Excise Department in the presence of concerned authorities after obtaining a proper destruction certificate from the Executive Magistrate First Class Nowgam.

 

Bandipora Police reiterated its commitment to continue sustained action against drug trafficking and illegal cultivation, while appealing to the public to cooperate in making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free. (KNS)