Poonch Police Intensify Anti-Drug Drive: Drug Peddler Arrested with Contraband in Surankote
POONCH, AUGUST 06, 2026 — In a major breakthrough under its ongoing crackdowns on illicit narcotics trafficking, the District Police Poonch has arrested a drug peddler and recovered a quantity of psychotropic substances during a targeted operation in the Surankote area. The arrest forms part of an intensified, district-wide anti-narcotics campaign aimed at systematically dismantling drug supply chains and holding offenders accountable under stringent legal frameworks.
According to official sources, a team from the Surankote Police Station intercepted the suspect during a routine surveillance operation. The apprehended individual has been identified as Ikhlaq Ahmed, son of Mohd Shafi Mir, residing at Ward No. 7, Samote, Tehsil Surankote, District Poonch. A personal search conducted by the police team led to the recovery of a psychotropic contraband substance found in his conscious possession.
Following the recovery, law enforcement authorities registered a formal case under FIR No. 250/2026 at Police Station Surankote under Sections 8, 21, and 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused was immediately taken into custody following established legal protocols, and the contraband was seized as material evidence for judicial proceedings.
Investigating officers confirmed that a comprehensive probe is currently underway to trace the origin of the seized narcotics. Police are focused on mapping out both backward and forward linkages to pinpoint suppliers, local distributors, and broader illicit networks that may be operating within or across district borders. Authorities emphasized that further arrests and legal actions will follow as investigators gather more evidence on the contraband’s distribution chain.
Reaffirming the department’s firm stance against illegal drug operations, District Police Poonch, under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Poonch, Sh. Shafqat Hussain (JKPS), reiterated its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddling. SSP Hussain highlighted that police teams remain on high alert to protect the community from the scourge of narcotics and assured that strict, unrelenting legal action will continue against anyone involved in the illegal trade.
District authorities have also issued a strong appeal to local residents, encouraging public cooperation in wiping out drug abuse from the region. Citizens are urged to share credible, actionable intelligence regarding suspicious movements or drug trafficking activities with local police stations. Police officials assured that the identity of all informants will remain strictly confidential to ensure safety and foster public trust.