Srinagar Police Uncover Inter-State Drug Network, Arrest 8; Seize 2.19 Lakh Pharmaceutical Tablets and Freeze Rs 1.07 Crore
Srinagar, October 1: Srinagar Police have unearthed an alleged inter-state narcotics network involved in the procurement, transportation, storage, distribution and financing of banned pharmaceutical drugs during the investigation of FIR No. 135/2026 registered at Police Station Safakadal, officials said.
Eight accused persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case. Police said one of the accused, Haris Hameed Malla, was traced through technical surveillance and apprehended in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Investigation into the individual roles and wider linkages of the accused is continuing.
According to police, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of 2,19,425 tablets and capsules of pharmaceutical drugs, 3.830 kg of codeine-containing liquid, including the container, and approximately 40 grams of a heroin-like substance.
The seizures also include approximately ₹85.75 lakh in cash, 108 gold coins, gold biscuits and other gold articles, besides two Rolex watches, a Dior ladies' bag, a DSLR camera with lens, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, a .32-calibre pistol with two empty magazines and a dagger.
Two vehicles have also been attached in accordance with law.
Financial Trail Under Investigation
As part of the financial investigation, Srinagar Police searched two bank lockers maintained in the name of accused Mohammad Waseem Zargar at Axis Bank, Bemina, following requisite court orders.
Police said approximately ₹65 lakh in cash, along with gold coins, biscuits and other gold articles, were recovered from the lockers. The approximate value of the locker recoveries has been assessed at around ₹2.20 crore.
Multiple bank accounts linked to the accused and other persons under investigation have also been identified and frozen or seized in accordance with law. Police said approximately ₹1.07 crore has so far been identified and frozen.
One residential house and two vehicles have been attached under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The source of funds, transaction trail and other financial linkages are being examined.
Supply Chain Traced Beyond J&K
During the backward investigation into the source of the pharmaceutical drugs, Srinagar Police teams visited Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala.
Police said pharmaceutical establishments and transport agencies were examined and relevant invoices, bills, Goods Receipts and other documents were collected.
Discrepancies concerning drug licences, purchaser details, invoices, payment records and the functioning of certain establishments are being examined in coordination with the concerned regulatory authorities.
Two Persons Absconding
Police said Faizan Firdous alias Farzan Khanday of Safakadal is currently absconding and efforts are underway to apprehend him.
Mohammad Shahvar Gaur, whose name surfaced during the investigation in connection with the pharmaceutical supply chain, is also absconding. Their alleged roles and further linkages are being investigated.
Police said digital devices recovered during the investigation are being analysed to establish the complete procurement, transportation, distribution and financial chain.
The investigation remains underway, and further arrests, recoveries, asset freezing or attachment and other legal action may follow on the basis of evidence emerging during the probe.
Srinagar Police said it would continue action against drug trafficking networks and focus on identifying suppliers, transporters, distributors, financiers and other alleged facilitators involved in the illicit trade. ANB
