Police seize cocaine worth over Rs 10 crore in Ganderbal, two drug peddlers arrested
SRINAGAR, Dec 17: In a major breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, police in Ganderbal have seized cocaine valued at over Rs 10 crore in the international illicit drug market and arrested two alleged drug peddlers, officials said on Tuesday.
The recovery was made during special naka checking operations conducted on December 8, during which police apprehended Mohammad Irfan Bhat, a resident of Kharbagh, Wakura. During his personal search, police recovered a quantity of cocaine, prompting immediate legal action.
Following the seizure, an FIR bearing No. 200/2025 was registered at Police Station Ganderbal under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and a detailed investigation was initiated.
Given the seriousness of the offence and the possibility of wider linkages, Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the case in depth. The SIT is functioning under the close supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Owaise Loun, with the mandate to identify both backward and forward linkages of the drug network.
As part of the investigation, police conducted coordinated searches at multiple locations across central Kashmir, including Sumbal, Shadipora, Zakura and other suspected areas. These searches were carried out after obtaining necessary warrants from the competent court.
During sustained follow-up operations, investigators identified the involvement of another alleged drug peddler, Maqsood Hussain Khan, son of Abdul Majeed Khan, a resident of Hazratbal, Srinagar, who was presently staying at Gooripora, Sanat Nagar. Acting on specific inputs, police conducted a search of his rented accommodation during the intervening night of December 16 and 17.
During the search, police recovered two packets of a cocaine-like substance weighing approximately one kilogram. Subsequent assessment revealed that the seized contraband is valued at more than Rs 10 crore in the international illicit drug market.
In addition to the narcotics, police also seized a vehicle, mobile phones and other electronic devices believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. These items are being examined for digital and logistical evidence that could help unravel the wider drug trafficking network.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the contraband, identify the supply chain and determine whether the racket has inter-state or international connections. Police indicated that further arrests and recoveries are likely as the probe progresses.
Meanwhile, police have reiterated their commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking and have appealed to the public to come forward with credible information related to drug peddling or substance abuse. Authorities said community cooperation remains crucial in dismantling narcotics networks and safeguarding youth from the growing menace of drugs.
