Ganderbal, Dec 17: In a major breakthrough against organised drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Ganderbal have intensified their crackdown on high-value narcotics, leading to the recovery of cocaine worth over ₹10 crore in the international illicit drug market. The operation marks a significant blow to drug syndicates operating in the region and underlines the police’s zero-tolerance policy towards the narcotics trade.
As part of a focused drive targeting the procurement and sale of high-value narcotic substances such as cocaine and heroin, Ganderbal Police conducted a series of special naka checking operations on December 8, 2025. During the operation, one drug peddler, Mohd Irfan Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Kharbagh Wakura, Ganderbal, was apprehended. Subsequently, FIR No. 200/2025 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Ganderbal, and investigation was taken up.
Considering the gravity of the offence and the suspected network of the accused, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal, JKPS, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of Additional SP Ganderbal Owaise Loun, JKPS, to trace both backward and forward linkages of suppliers involved in trafficking high-value narcotics. The investigation is being led by SI Gulzar Hussain, In-Charge Police Post Shadipora, who has carried out sustained efforts to expose the drug nexus.
Following court-issued search warrants, coordinated raids were conducted at multiple locations including Sumbal, Shadipora, Zakura, and other suspected hideouts. As a result of the sustained investigation, the police identified and detained another notorious drug peddler, Maqsood Hussain Khan, son of Abdul Majeed Khan, resident of Hazratbal, Srinagar, presently residing at Gooripora, Sanat Nagar.
During searches conducted at his rented accommodation in Gooripora, Sanat Nagar, on the intervening night of December 16–17, 2025, police recovered two packets of cocaine-like substance weighing approximately one kilogram, with an estimated international market value exceeding ₹10 crore. In addition, one vehicle, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets were seized.
Police said that further investigation is underway to identify the actual source of the contraband, the supply chain, and possible inter-state and international linkages. More arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days.
Ganderbal Police reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug abuse or peddling to help build a drug-free society.
