Forces Foil Narcotics Smuggling in North Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Security forces on Saturday foiled a major narcotics smuggling attempt in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara after recovering a sizeable quantity of suspected contraband during an intelligence-based operation.

A police officer said that based on specific intelligence inputs received from Police Station Taad, a coordinated Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu Kashmir Police, and the Border Security Force in Hajitra village.

“During the search, a carefully hidden packet weighing around 800 grams containing a brown, solid substance believed to be high-grade heroin was recovered,” the officer said.

The suspected contraband was found concealed inside the residence of Mohd Shafi Sheikh of Sheikh Mohalla, Ward No. 1, he said.

Police authorities have initiated a detailed investigation, and legal proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act are underway.

The officer said the operation highlights the strong coordination between security agencies in the frontier region and reflects their continued efforts to dismantle cross-border smuggling networks.

“This successful recovery once again demonstrates the collective resolve of all forces to prevent the spread of narcotics and protect local communities from the damaging effects of drug trafficking,” he added. (KNC)