Police seize house, shopping complex and car wash centre in anti-drug crackdown in Pulwama
Pulwama, March 16, KNT: Police in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have attached properties worth more than Rs 1 crore belonging to an alleged drug peddler in Kunjipora village as part of a crackdown on narcotics trafficking, officials said.
The action was carried out under Section 68-F(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act following an investigation by Police Station Pulwama.
Officials said four properties linked to Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat, a resident of Kunjipora village, were attached during the operation.
The attached properties include a double-storey house under construction, a shopping complex and a car washing centre allegedly acquired through proceeds from illegal drug trade, officials said.
Police said the attachment was carried out after months of investigation into the alleged activities of the accused.
According to officials, the accused had previously been arrested in connection with drug-related offences and had served multiple jail terms.
Investigators said the properties were believed to have been accumulated through illegal narcotics trafficking and were therefore liable for attachment under provisions of the NDPS Act.
Police officials said the move forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in drug peddling and prevent the use of illegal proceeds to expand such activities.
Authorities also alleged that the accused had played a role in spreading drug abuse among youth in Kunjipora and nearby areas.
Local residents in the area welcomed the police action and said strict measures were needed to curb drug trafficking.
Residents said the crackdown would help deter drug peddlers and protect young people from the growing menace of narcotics.
They also urged authorities to continue taking action against others involved in drug trafficking in the district.
Police said operations against narcotics networks would continue in the district as part of wider efforts to tackle drug abuse and illegal drug trade. [KNT]
