Karnah, May 15 (JKNS): In a significant crackdown against drug trafficking in north Kashmir’s Karnah sector, Kupwara Police on Friday arrested an alleged drug peddler during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) conducted jointly with security forces in Qureshi Mohallah Taad, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Karnah.
As per news agency JKNS, the operation was launched following specific inputs regarding suspicious activities in the area. During the CASO, security personnel carried out extensive searches of residential houses and conducted checking of pedestrians and movement in and around the locality to prevent any unlawful activity.
Officials said that during the search operation, one suspicious individual attempted to escape after noticing the presence of the search party.
However, the alert police and security personnel acted swiftly and tactfully apprehended him before he could flee from the spot.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused identified himself as Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi, son of Ghulam Rasool Qureshi, a resident of Qureshi Mohallah Taad in Karnah.
Subsequently, a personal search of the accused was conducted in accordance with legal procedures, during which approximately 400 grams of a brown sugar-like narcotic substance was allegedly recovered from his possession.
Police officials stated that the recovered substance has been seized and taken into custody for further forensic examination and legal formalities.
Following the recovery, Police Station Karnah registered a case under FIR No. 29/2026 under sections 8/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Further investigation into the matter has been initiated to ascertain possible links, sources of supply, and involvement of other individuals in the narcotics network.
Meanwhile, police reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations across Kupwara district and appealed to the public, especially youth, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in eradicating the menace of drugs from society.
Local residents appreciated the timely action by police and security forces, stating that strict measures against drug peddling are essential for safeguarding the younger generation and maintaining peace in the border region of Karnah. (JKNS)
