Srinagar, Apr 7 [KF]: The Srinagar Police’s intensified crackdown on drug peddlers has drawn widespread praise from local residents, who have termed the operation “timely and much-needed” in the fight against the narcotics menace.

In a sustained drive against drug peddlers, the Srinagar Police have registered 25 cases under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS) since the beginning of this year.

A police spokesperson confirmed that two more notorious drug dealers were recently booked under the stringent law and subsequently detained in Kot Bhalwal and Bhaderwah jails. With these fresh cases, the total number of arrests under the PIT-NDPS Act in Srinagar this year has risen to 25.

The police action followed a detailed dossier prepared by the Srinagar Police, which led to the issuance of formal detention orders by the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir.

The accused have been identified as:

Adil Hameed, son of Abdul Hameed Sheikh, resident of Aloochi Bagh

Zahoor Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan, resident of Zakura

Elders and prominent citizens of Rangpora, Zakura including Abdul Qayoom Shah, Lateef Ahmad Shah, Manzoor Ahmad Baba, Tariq Ahmad Reshi, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, and several others, have lauded the police action. They commended the force for its decisive steps in curbing drug trafficking and demanded even stricter measures against those involved in the illegal trade.

Authorities confirmed that both individuals have been shifted to high-security prisons while further investigations continue.

Investigations revealed that the arrested drug peddlers were not only involved in large-scale drug trafficking targeting Srinagar’s youth but were also implicated in multiple NDPS cases across various police stations.

“Despite securing bail in previous cases, they continued their illegal activities unabated, using their network to push drugs into the valley, particularly among the youth,” the police spokesperson said.

In a significant escalation of the crackdown, the police have also initiated proceedings to attach the properties of the accused under the PIT-NDPS Act, aiming to dismantle their financial networks.

Local residents have expressed strong support for the police operation, with many calling for even harsher penalties against drug traffickers.

“The police have done commendable work, but the fight is far from over. We need complete eradication of this menace to save our youth,” said Abdul Qayoom Shah, a prominent elder in the area.

The Srinagar Police have assured that the crackdown will continue, with more arrests and seizures expected in the coming days.