Inter-District Drug Smuggler Arrested with Heroin Worth Rs 20 Crore in Anantnag

Police in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, arrested an inter-district drug smuggler and seized 2.613 kilograms of heroin, estimated to be worth around Rs 20 crore in the international illicit market. The operation dealt a significant blow to narcotics trafficking in the region.

According to a police spokesperson, the recovery was made during routine naka checking at Halmulla. A police team intercepted a suspicious Ignis vehicle with registration number JK09B-2808 for inspection. During a thorough search, four packets containing heroin (brown sugar) were found concealed inside the vehicle.

The accused was identified as Ishtiyak Ahmad Moghal, son of Abdul Rasheed Moghal, a resident of Prada, Tangdar. Following the recovery, police registered FIR No. 195/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and an investigation was launched.

During the investigation, the accused was served a notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act, ensuring compliance with mandatory legal procedures for personal searches. Subsequently, a personal search led to the recovery of one additional packet of heroin from his possession, bringing the total seized quantity to 2.613 kilograms.

Police stated that the accused has been formally arrested and is being questioned to trace the source of the contraband, identify its intended destination, and expose the entire narcotics syndicate, including both backward and forward linkages. The investigation also aims to identify other individuals connected with the interstate and inter-district drug supply chain. Anantnag Police reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating narcotics and appealed to the public for cooperation.