Police Seize Poppy Straw in Anantnag, Sopore; Arrest Trio

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized close to 190 kilogrammes of poppy straw in separate operations in Anantnag and Sopore, arresting three persons and seizing two vehicles used in the crime.

In Anantnag, acting on specific input, a police team from Bijbehara intercepted a Tata Mobile vehicle (JK21A-3990) at Donipora checkpoint. A search led to the recovery of around 136.3 kgs of poppy straw. The two accused, identified as Sunil Kumar, son of Dharam Pal, and Boby, son of Balbir Das, both residents of Jalandhar, Punjab, were arrested on the spot. The vehicle has been seized.

In Sopore, police during a naka at Sofi Hamam Road Tarzoo stopped a load carrier (JK04B-9881) moving from Nigli towards Chankhan. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 54 kgs of poppy straw. The driver, Javaid Ahmad Dar, son of Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Dar of Chankhan Sopore, was arrested and remains in custody. His vehicle has also been impounded.

Cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at both police stations, with further investigation underway to trace the supply chain and networks behind the consignment.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling, police urged the public to stay vigilant and share information to strengthen the fight for a drug-free society.