Srinagar, Jan 18 (KNO): The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Srinagar Zone, has achieved another significant success in its ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in Jammu & Kashmir with the recovery of 0.635 kilograms of charas and the arrest of a repeat offender in District Anantnag.
Acting on specific intelligence, on 17.01.2026, a team of NCB Srinagar intercepted a person, namely Subzar Ahmad Bhat, S/o Mohd. Ramzan Bhat, R/o Kud Angun, Marhama, Anantnag, J&K–192124, at NH-44 near Diamond Sports Shop (Jammu–Srinagar Road), Tehsil Bijbehara, District Anantnag (J&K), and recovered 0.635 kg of charas from his possession, a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.
It added the investigation has revealed that the accused is a repeat offender and has a previous criminal history under the NDPS Act. "He was earlier arrested in FIR No. 07/2023 registered at Police Post Sangam, Police Station Bijbehara, in which 520 grams of charas was recovered. The accused is presently on bail in the said case."
As per the disclosure of the accused, he was earlier lodged in jail in the year 2016 in connection with stone-pelting (Pattharbaazi) cases and again detained in the year 2023 under the Public Safety Act (PSA), the statement reads, adding that he was released from custody on 21st March 2024. The same will be enquired with the concerned Police Station.
"Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the contraband, identify backward and forward linkages, and uncover any wider narcotics network associated with the accused."
The establishment of the NCB office in Srinagar forms part of the Government of India’s focused strategy to strengthen narcotics enforcement mechanisms in Jammu & Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the statement reads that NCB remains steadfast in its commitment to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect the youth from the harmful effects of narcotic substances.
In the fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks the support of the public. Any person may share information related to the sale or trafficking of narcotics by calling MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline, Toll-Free Number 1933. The identity of the caller is kept strictly confidential—(KNO)