September 19: In a major blow to drug traffickers, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday foiled two separate smuggling attempts in Anantnag and Sopore, seizing over 190 kilograms of poppy straw and arresting three individuals.
In Anantnag, a police naka party from Police Station Bijbehara, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Tata Mobile (JK21A-3990) at Donipora Bijbehara. Upon search, officials recovered approximately 136.3 kg of poppy straw. Two Punjab-based smugglers, identified as Sunil Kumar, son of Dharam Pal of Gandhi Camp, Jalandhar, and Boby, son of Balbir Das of Tilak Nagar, Jalandhar, were arrested on the spot. The vehicle was also seized.
Meanwhile in Sopore, police at Sofi Hamam Road Tarzoo intercepted a load carrier (JK04B-9881) en route from Nigli to Chankhan. During checking, 54 kg of poppy straw was found concealed inside the vehicle. The driver, Javaid Ahmad Dar, son of Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Dar of Chankhan Sopore, was taken into custody. His vehicle too was seized.
Police have registered cases under relevant sections of law at both police stations. Officials said investigations are underway to trace the wider smuggling network and identify those involved in the supply chain.
