Police Foil Drug Smuggling Attempt, Arrest Nepal National in South Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Police in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Tuesday intercepted a vehicle at Alstop Chowk, Mir Bazar, and recovered 1.1 kilograms of charas from its luggage compartment, arresting a Nepal resident in the process.

According to a police statement, the accused has been identified as Lalit Giri, 23, son of Narender Giri, a resident of Jajhar Kote, Nepal. He was travelling in a vehicle bearing registration number JK07-5482, driven by Asad Ullah, son of Mohd Qasim, a resident of Kargil.

The contraband was seized on the spot, and Lalit Giri was taken into custody. The vehicle involved in the offence was also confiscated, the statement added.

A case under FIR No. 239/2025, registered under sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act, has been filed at Police Station Qazigund. Investigation has been initiated to trace the forward and backward linkages of the drug network.

Preliminary findings indicate that the accused entered India about six days ago, obtained the contraband from Shimla, and was on his way to Ladakh for drug peddling. Further investigation is in progress, police said.

SSP Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary (IPS) said Kulgam Police is determined to act firmly against drug peddlers and make the district drug-free.

Police have urged the public to cooperate and share any information related to drug trafficking or substance abuse for prompt and effective action.