Police Intensifies Crackdown on Narcotics Cultivation in Anantnag; 22 Arrested, Illegal Poppy Crops Destroyed
Anantnag, May 07 (PTK): Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag has intensified its crackdown against illegal narcotics cultivation and drug-related activities by destroying poppy crops and arresting 22 persons involved in multiple NDPS cases across the district.
During routine patrolling, a police team from Police Post Sherbagh detected illegal cultivation of poppy plants in the lawn of Mohd Yaseen Hagru, son of Mohd Abdullah Hagru, a resident of Sarnal Bala. Following the detection, FIR No. 134/2026 was registered at Police Station Anantnag under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Samples of the poppy plants were seized for forensic examination, while the remaining crop was destroyed in the presence of a Magistrate as per legal procedure.
In a parallel action, Police Station Mattan arrested Gh Nabi Mir of Nanil in connection with FIR No. 47/2026 related to illegal cultivation of opium poppy detected during a joint verification carried out with Revenue and Agriculture Department officials in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
Police Station Larnoo also arrested two accused identified as Gh Ahmad Sheikh alias Ama Khuja of Dessu and Nisar Ahmad Beigh of Khrety Larnoo in separate cases linked to illegal poppy cultivation.
Meanwhile, Police Station Kokernag arrested seven individuals in connection with three separate NDPS cases involving illegal poppy cultivation. The arrested persons include Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Mohd Amin Bhat, Reyaz Ahmad Bhat, Shakeel Ahmad Wani, Farooq Ahmad Wani and another Nazir Ahmad Bhat, all residents of Sagam and Panzgam areas of Kokernag.
In another major action, Police Station Srigufwara arrested eleven accused involved in multiple cases pertaining to illegal cultivation of opium poppy in different areas falling under its jurisdiction. Officials said all legal formalities were completed before the arrests were made.
Police stated that all accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act and further investigation is underway.
The action is part of an ongoing district-wide drive aimed at eradicating narcotics cultivation and dismantling networks promoting drug abuse and trafficking. Police reiterated its commitment towards strict enforcement of anti-narcotics laws and appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing information related to illegal cultivation or drug trafficking for timely legal action.(PTK)
