Srinagar, Oct 01: In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, Jammu & Kashmir Police have busted a well-established interstate narcotics network operating from downtown Srinagar, arresting eight persons and recovering a massive consignment of banned pharmaceutical drugs, cash, gold and a pistol, while initiating action against properties and financial assets linked to the accused.
Addressing a press conference here, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy said the investigation had exposed a network allegedly involved in the procurement, transportation, storage, distribution and financing of banned pharmaceutical drugs, with supply-chain linkages extending beyond J&K. “It was not an ordinary module but a well-organised chain. Investigations are still underway, and more arrests will be made. From the source to destination, we will not leave anybody,” he said.
The scale of the seizures, particularly the quantity of pharmaceutical drugs and the recovery of substantial cash and gold, has brought the financial dimension of the racket into focus, with investigators now working to establish its complete supply chain and identify those operating behind it.
“The operation has so far resulted in the seizure of approximately 2,19,425 tablets and capsules containing Tapentadol, 1,200 Pregabalin capsules and 414 Tramadol tablets and capsules. Srinagar police also recovered 3.830 kg of codeine-containing liquid, including its container, and approximately 40 grams of a heroin-like substance,” he said. “A pistol, along with other incriminating material, was also seized.”
The SSP said that the financial investigation has led to the recovery of approximately Rs 90 lakh in cash and gold articles, including 108 gold coins, which is almost one kilogram, along with other items.
“We have also identified approximately Rs 1.07 crore in multiple bank accounts linked to the accused and other persons under investigation stands frozen,” he said.
He said that investigators have searched two bank lockers maintained in the name of one of the accused at Axis Bank’s Bemina branch after obtaining the requisite court orders. Police are examining the source of the seized cash, gold and other assets, besides tracing financial transactions and possible links with the wider drug supply network.
As part of the action, police have attached a residential house belonging to an accused at Patlipora, Chattabal, and two vehicles under the relevant provisions of law.
The investigation, registered under FIR No. 135/2026 at Police Station Safakadal, has also taken police teams outside J&K. Raids and enquiries were conducted in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala, where pharmaceutical establishments and transport agencies were examined. Investigators have collected invoices, bills, goods receipts and other documents to establish how the drugs were procured and transported.
SSP Chakravarthy said the case was not a routine narcotics matter but involved an established network. He indicated that enquiries were continuing at pharmaceutical companies outside J&K and that those found involved would face action under the law.
One of the accused was traced through technical surveillance and apprehended in Bengaluru, Karnataka, indicating the geographical spread of the investigation. Police also identified two persons who remain absconding and said efforts are under way to apprehend them and establish their precise roles.
“Digital devices seized during the investigation are being analysed to reconstruct communications and establish the procurement, transportation, distribution and financial links of the alleged network,” he said.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Arms Act and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The latest operation comes amid intensified efforts by Srinagar Police to dismantle the drug supply chain by targeting not only street-level peddlers but also suppliers, financial channels and those facilitating the movement of prohibited substances. The investigation will now focus on identifying the source of the seized pharmaceutical drugs, tracing their intended distribution and establishing the full extent of the alleged network.
SSP Chakravarthy, replying to a query, added, “Based on human and technical inputs, an investigation was launched to unearth the module.”
About whether the properties of the accused would be attached. “We have attached one property of the accused, and I am sure properties of other accused will be attached as well,” he said.
Asked whether there was a Pakistan role in the module, the SSP said so far there was no foreign role, but since investigations are on, “an outside role can’t be ruled out”.
“Criminals from three to four states are involved in this module and more arrests will be made as and when investigations widen further. A few accused are absconding and they will also be arrested soon,” he said.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Arms Act and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
