Anantnag, July 1: As part of its sustained campaign against drug trafficking, Police in Anantnag have apprehended two drug peddlers in separate operations and recovered more than 6 kilograms of poppy straw, besides cash believed to be linked to the illicit trade.

In the first operation, a police party from Police Post Sangam was conducting naka checking on the Sangam–Halmulla axis when one individual was intercepted for checking. During search, 3.054 kilograms of poppy straw were recovered. The accused was identified as Shah Hussain Mattoo son of Mohammad Ibrahim Mattoo resident of Shalina, Budgam. Police also recovered ₹23,600 in cash from his possession.
In another successful operation, a police party of Police Station Bijbehara established a checkpoint at Tulkhan near Bridge. During checking, an Alto vehicle bearing Registration No. JK13J-6032 was intercepted. During search, police team recovered 3.158 kilograms of poppy straw along with ₹50,000 from the possession of the driver, identified as Suheel Ahmad Bhat son of Fida Hussain Bhat, resident of Balhama, Srinagar. The vehicle used in the commission of the offence was also seized.
Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered and further investigation is in progress.
J&K Police reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace from society through sustained enforcement and public cooperation. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and share any information related to drug trafficking or substance abuse with the nearest police establishment. Every piece of information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.