WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown against organised drug trafficking, Srinagar has unearthed a structured narcotics network by arresting 8 people who were involved in the procurement, transportation, storage, distribution and financing of banned pharmaceutical drugs, with linkages extending beyond the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Those who have been arrested include Mohammad Waseem Zargar, Inam Ahmad Zargar, Sahib Ahmad Ganie, Ansar Hussain Bhat, Peer Shakoor, Haroon Tariq Pandit, Aquib Saleem and Haris Hameed Malla.
Speaking to media, SSP Srinagar GV Sundeep Chakravarty said one of the accused, Haris Hameed Malla, was traced through technical surveillance and apprehended by Srinagar Police from Bengaluru, Karnataka. Investigation into the individual roles and linkages of the accused is continuing.
The investigation has so far led to the recovery/seizure of: 2,19,425 tablets/capsules of pharmaceutical drugs, 3.830 kg codeine-containing liquid, including containers, approximately 40 grams of heroin-like substance, approximately ₹85.75 lakh cash, 108 gold coins, gold biscuits and other gold ornaments/articles worth crores, 02 Rolex watches, 01 Dior ladies’ bag, 01 DSLR camera with lens, 01 iPhone 16 Pro Max, 01 pistol (.32-inch) with two empty magazines, 01 dagger, and 02 vehicles, attached in accordance with law.
As part of the financial investigation, two bank lockers maintained in the name of accused Mohammad Waseem Zargar at Axis Bank, Bemina, were searched pursuant to requisite court orders. The searches resulted in recovery of approximately ₹65 lakh in cash, besides gold coins, biscuits and other gold articles, he said.
Adding that he said the approximate value of the locker recovery has been assessed at around ₹2.20 crore. Further, multiple bank accounts connected with the accused and other persons under investigation have been identified and frozen/seized in accordance with law. Approximately ₹1.07 crore has so far been identified and frozen. One residential house and two vehicles have been attached under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The source of funds, transaction trail and associated financial linkages are under detailed examination.
Backward investigation into the source of the pharmaceutical drugs led Srinagar Police teams to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala. Pharmaceutical establishments and transport agencies were examined, and relevant invoices, bills, Goods Receipts and other documents were obtained. Discrepancies relating to drug licences, purchaser particulars, invoices, payment details and functioning of certain establishments are being investigated in coordination with the concerned regulatory authorities, SSP Srinagar said.
Faizan Firdous @ Farzan Khanday of Safakadal is presently absconding and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Mohammad Shahvar Gaur, identified during investigation in connection with the pharmaceutical supply chain, is also presently absconding. Their precise roles and further linkages are being investigated, he said.
Digital devices recovered during investigation are being analysed to establish the complete procurement, transportation, distribution and financial chain. The investigation remains active and evidence-driven, SSP Srinagar said.
Further arrests, recoveries, freezing/attachment of assets and other legal action may follow on the basis of evidence emerging during investigation. Srinagar Police reiterates its zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking and remains committed to identifying and dismantling the entire ecosystem of suppliers, transporters, distributors, financiers and other facilitators involved in the illicit drug trade, he said.
