Srinagar Police have busted an alleged organised narcotics network involved in the procurement, transportation, storage, distribution and financing of banned pharmaceutical drugs, arresting eight accused persons in the case.
The action was taken during the investigation of FIR No. 135/2026 registered at Police Station Safakadal. Police said the network had linkages extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Eight accused persons arrested.
2,19,425 pharmaceutical tablets and capsules seized.
3.830 kg of codeine-containing liquid recovered.
Around 40 grams of a heroin-like substance recovered.
Approximately ₹85.75 lakh cash seized.
Gold and jewellery valued at around ₹1.05 crore recovered.
The eight arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Waseem Zargar, Inam Ahmad Zargar, Sahib Ahmad Ganie, Ansar Hussain Bhat, Peer Shakoor, Haroon Tariq Pandit, Aquib Saleem and Haris Hameed Malla. Police said Malla was traced through technical surveillance and arrested in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
According to police, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of 2,19,425 pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, including tablets and capsules containing Tramadol, Tapentadol and Pregabalin. Police also reported the recovery of 3.830 kilograms of codeine-containing liquid and approximately 40 grams of a heroin-like substance.
Police said approximately ₹85.75 lakh in cash was recovered along with 108 gold coins and other gold articles. The estimated value of the seized gold and jewellery was reported at around ₹1.05 crore.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The case highlights an alleged organised supply chain for pharmaceutical drugs extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation is also examining the financial transactions and interstate links associated with the suspected network.
Other items recovered during the investigation included two watches, a DSLR camera, an iPhone and a .32-calibre pistol with two empty magazines, besides a dagger. Two vehicles were also attached in accordance with law.
As part of the financial investigation, two bank lockers maintained in the name of accused Mohammad Waseem Zargar at Axis Bank, Bemina, were searched following court orders. Police said around ₹65 lakh in cash and additional gold articles were recovered from the lockers, with the total value of the locker recoveries assessed at approximately ₹2.20 crore.
Police further said that around ₹1.07 crore in multiple bank accounts linked to the accused and other persons under investigation has been identified and frozen. One residential property and two vehicles have also been attached under provisions of the NDPS Act.
The investigation into the alleged pharmaceutical supply chain has extended to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala. Police teams examined pharmaceutical establishments and transport agencies and collected invoices, bills, Goods Receipts and other relevant documents.
Police said two other suspects, Faizan Firdous alias Farzan Khanday and Mohammad Shahvar Gaur, are absconding. Efforts are underway to trace them and establish their alleged roles and further linkages.
Digital devices recovered during the investigation are also being analysed to establish the alleged procurement, transportation, distribution and financial chain.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests, recoveries, freezing or attachment of assets and other legal action may follow on the basis of evidence emerging during the probe.
