J&K Police arrest notorious drug peddler in Mumbai

Jammu, July 27 (AHN) Police in J&K’s Poonch district said on Monday that it has executed a detention order issued under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act by arresting a notorious drug peddler in Mumbai.

A police statement said that in its campaign against the menace of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, Poonch Police achieved a major success by executing a detention order issued under the PIT-NDPS Act, 1988, against a notorious drug peddler, Asif Khan, son of Mohd Younas, resident of Village Bufliaz, Tehsil Surankote, District Poonch.

The detention order was issued by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, considering the accused’s repeated involvement in illicit drug trafficking and his continued role in promoting the narcotics trade in the district.

The accused is a habitual drug peddler involved in multiple criminal cases under the NDPS Act. Through his illegal activities, he has been luring and exploiting local youth, particularly vulnerable youngsters, into drug abuse and trafficking, thereby posing a grave threat to public health, public order and the social fabric of the region.

Following the issuance of the detention order, the accused absconded from J&K and took shelter in Mumbai in an attempt to evade arrest and frustrate the execution of the detention warrant.

Despite his efforts to escape the law, Poonch Police maintained continuous surveillance and sustained intelligence gathering regarding his movements. Acting on specific intelligence about his presence in Mumbai, a special team of District Police Poonch was constituted and deputed to the city.

Through meticulous planning, technical surveillance and close coordination with the local police, the team successfully traced and apprehended the accused. He was subsequently brought back to J&K by following all due legal procedures. After completing the requisite legal formalities, the detention order issued under the PIT-NDPS Act was executed, and the detenue has been lodged in District Jail Dhangri.

The successful execution of the detention order from outside J&K underscores the professionalism, dedication and coordinated efforts of Poonch Police in dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring that offenders cannot evade the reach of law by fleeing to other parts of the country.

District Police Poonch reiterated its commitment to eradicating the drug menace and safeguarding the youth from the devastating consequences of narcotics. The public, parents, educational institutions, and members of civil society were urged to actively support this mission by sharing credible information regarding drug peddling and related illegal activities. The identity of informants shall be kept strictly confidential.

District Police Poonch remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers and all those involved in the illicit narcotics trade. Strict legal action will continue to be taken against every individual found indulging in such unlawful activities to ensure a safer, healthier and drug-free society, the statement added.