Inter-state narcotics network busted in Srinagar; 8 arrested, says police

Srinagar: Srinagar Police have busted a major inter-state narcotics network allegedly involved in the procurement, transportation, storage, distribution and financing of banned pharmaceutical drugs, arresting eight persons and making extensive seizures during investigation of a case registered at Police Station Safakadal.

Police said the investigation in FIR No. 135/2026 has so far led to the arrest of eight accused persons, with one of them, Haris Hameed Malla, traced through technical surveillance and apprehended from Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The arrested persons have been identified as Mohammad Waseem Zargar of Malik Sahib, Safakadal; Inam Ahmad Zargar of Haftiyarbal, Safakadal; Sahib Ahmad Ganie of Danamazar, Safakadal; Ansar Hussain Bhat of Zabar Mohallah, Budgam; Peer Shakoor of Soura, presently Palpora, Noorbagh; Haroon Tariq Pandit of Guzerbal, Chattabal; Aquib Saleem of Guzerbal, Chattabal; and Haris Hameed Malla of Guzerbal, Chattabal.

According to Srinagar Police, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of 2,19,425 tablets and capsules of pharmaceutical drugs, besides 3.830 kg of codeine-containing liquid, including the container, and approximately 40 grams of a heroin-like substance.

Police have also recovered approximately Rs 85.75 lakh in cash, 108 gold coins, gold biscuits and other gold articles said to be worth crores, besides two Rolex watches, a Dior ladies’ bag, a DSLR camera with lens and an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

A .32-inch pistol along with two empty magazines and a dagger were also seized, while two vehicles have been attached in accordance with law.

As part of the financial investigation, police searched two bank lockers maintained in the name of accused Mohammad Waseem Zargar at Axis Bank, Bemina, after obtaining requisite court orders.

The locker searches resulted in the recovery of approximately Rs 65 lakh in cash besides gold coins, biscuits and other gold articles. Police said the approximate value of the locker recoveries has been assessed at around Rs 2.20 crore.

Multiple bank accounts connected with the accused and other persons under investigation have also been identified and frozen or seized in accordance with law. Police said approximately Rs 1.07 crore has so far been identified and frozen.

One residential house and two vehicles have also been attached under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

The financial investigation is examining the source of funds, transaction trails and associated financial linkages, police said.

The investigation into the alleged supply chain also took Srinagar Police teams to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala. Pharmaceutical establishments and transport agencies were examined and investigators obtained invoices, bills, Goods Receipts and other relevant documents.

Police said discrepancies relating to drug licences, purchaser particulars, invoices, payment details and the functioning of certain establishments are being investigated in coordination with the concerned regulatory authorities.

Faizan Firdous alias Farzan Khanday of Safakadal is presently absconding, while Mohammad Shahvar Gaur, who was identified during investigation in connection with the pharmaceutical supply chain, is also absconding, police said. Efforts are underway to apprehend both and establish their precise roles and further linkages.

Digital devices recovered during the investigation are being analysed to establish the complete procurement, transportation, distribution and financial chain.

Police said the investigation remains active and evidence-driven, adding that further arrests, recoveries, freezing or attachment of assets and other legal action may follow on the basis of evidence emerging during the investigation.
[KNT