September 16:`In its ongoing efforts to eliminate the drug menace from society, police arrested five drug peddlers in Anantnag and seized a substantial quantity of psychotropic/contraband substances from their possession.

In a significant operation, a police team from PS Mattan during naka at Bumzoo Mattan, intercepted an Innova vehicle bearing registration number JK02DK/9333 with three persons on board. During searching of the vehicle, 11 bottles of Codeine Phosphate, 80 Dolo-T tablets, 70 OMODOL tablets, good quantity of Beer and Alcohol and a cash amount of ₹11,500/- were recovered. The three accused persons identified as as Lateef Ahmad Shah son of Mohammad Qasim Shah resident of Mattan, Ayaz Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Amin Bhat resident of Seer Hamdan, and Rayees Ahmad Malik son of Gh Mohammad Malik resident of Sarnal Payeen, Anantnag have been arrested on the spot. The contraband along with the vehicle used in the commission of crime has also been seized.

In another action, a police team from Police Station Anantnag at a checkpoint established near Wazir Bagh Park, Anantnag intercepted an auto bearing registration number JK01AK-7694. The auto, coming from Bangdar towards Mehandi Kadalwas searched, leading to the recovery of a good amount of illicit liquor. The accused driver identified as Riyaz Ahmad Dar son of Gh Qadir Dar resident of Zadipora, Anantnag was arrested and the auto used in the commission of crime was also seized.

Moreover, a Police team from Police Post Sangam during naka checking at Kudangan Marhama apprehended an individual identified as Noor Mohammad Ganie son of Ab Rahim Ganie resident of Marhama, who was carrying a bag with a significant quantity of alcohol. The accused was arrested and the contraband was seized on the spot.

All the accused persons have been arrested and shifted to respective police stations where they remain in custody. Cases under relevant sections of law have been registered in respective Police Stations and further investigation have been initiated.

People are requested to cooperate with police in curbing the menace of drugs from the society. We reassure the community members that police will act tough against the criminals as per law.```