Police attach property of drug peddler under NDPS Act in Awantipora

Srinagar, Dec 03: Police on Tuesday said that continuing its crackdown on drug peddlers, property worth 30 lacs have been attached in south Kashmir’s Awantipora.

In a statement, the police official said that the residential house of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat, resident of Larkipora Padgampora Awantipora, has been attached under Chapter VA of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. This action was taken as part of the forfeiture proceedings regarding his illegally acquired property, following the registration of FIR No. 212/2022 under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act.

The police spokesperson stated that the FIR was registered on 28 September 2022 after the Awantipora Police Station received a report from the Naka party at Padgampora. On that day, at approximately 5:45 PM, one individual was observed approaching the Naka party carrying a nylon bag. Upon noticing the police presence, he attempted to flee but was apprehended.

During the search of the nylon bag, approximately 15 kg and 700 grams of ground cannabis were recovered. Upon preliminary questioning, the individual was identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat. It was determined that he was involved in the illegal trade of narcotics and was allegedly transporting the contraband for sale in surrounding areas, he said.

The police have confirmed that, following the investigation, appropriate actions under the relevant provisions of law have been initiated against Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, who remains the subject of Case FIR No. 212/2022 under Section 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act, spokesperson said.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to identifying and curtailing drug trafficking activities in the region, he added.