22 narco cultivators arrested; illegal poppy crop destroyed across Anantnag district

In a major crackdown against illegal narcotics cultivation and drug-related activities, Police in Anantnag intensified its sustained campaign against the menace of narcotics by destroying illegal poppy cultivation and arresting twenty-two persons involved in multiple NDPS cases across the district.

During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Post Sherbagh detected illegal cultivation of poppy plants in the lawn of Mohd Yaseen Hagru son of Mohd Abdullah Hagru resident of Sarnal Bala. Acting swiftly, Police registered FIR No. 134/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Anantnag. During the course of investigation, samples of the poppy plants were seized on the spot for Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) examination, while the remaining illegal crop was destroyed in the presence of a Magistrate as per legal procedure, Police stated today.

Simultaneously, Police Station Mattan arrested Gh Nabi Mir son of Gh Ahmad Mir resident of Nanil in connection with FIR No. 47/2026. The case pertains to illegal cultivation of opium poppy detected during a joint verification conducted by Police along with Revenue and Agriculture Department officials in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, Police said.

Police Station Larnoo also arrested two accused persons identified as Gh Ahmad Sheikh @ Ama Khuja son of Mohd Ramzan Sheikh resident of Dessu involved in FIR No. 24/2026 and Nisar Ahmad Beigh son of Ab Qudoos Beigh resident of Khrety Larnoo involved in FIR No. 22/2026, Police stated.

Meanwhile, Police Station Kokernag arrested seven persons involved in three separate NDPS cases related to illegal poppy cultivation. The arrested persons include Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Mohd Amin Bhat, Reyaz Ahmad Bhat, Shakeel Ahmad Wani, Farooq Ahmad Wani and another Nazir Ahmad Bhat, residents of Sagam and Panzgam areas of Kokernag.

In another significant action, Police Station Srigufwara arrested eleven accused involved in multiple cases pertaining to illegal cultivation of opium poppy in different areas falling under its jurisdiction. The accused persons were formally arrested after completion of all legal formalities, Police added.

All the accused persons have been arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act and further investigation in the cases is underway.

The action forms part of the ongoing district-wide drive launched by J&K Police to eradicate narcotics cultivation and dismantle the ecosystem promoting drug abuse and trafficking. J&K Police remains committed towards strict enforcement of the NDPS Act and appeals to the general public to cooperate by sharing information regarding illegal cultivation, drug trafficking or substance abuse for timely and stringent legal action.