Security forces on Wednesday recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during a joint search operation in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, while police in Shopian district attached immovable property worth ₹18,76,665 belonging to an alleged drug peddler — twin operations underscoring the ongoing security and anti-narcotics push across the Valley.

Arms Recovery in Kulgam

The weapons seizure was carried out jointly by Kulgam Police, the 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the 18 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Tantrypora–Sursnoo orchards. According to a police statement, the operation resulted in the recovery of a sizeable haul of arms and ammunition, which officials described as a major success.

Police stated that the seizure has dealt a significant setback to terrorist networks operating in the area, adding that the recovered weapons were intended to be used to disrupt peace in the region. The specific types and quantities of arms recovered were not detailed in the official statement.

Property Attached in Shopian Drug Crackdown

In a separate action the same day, Jammu and Kashmir Police attached a residential house belonging to Nazir Ahmad Lone, son of Rishi Lone, a resident of Kathohallan in Shopian, valued at ₹18,76,665. The attachment was carried out under the police's ongoing crackdown against narcotics-related activities.

According to the police statement, the property was identified during investigation as having been acquired through proceeds from the illegal drug trade. The action is linked to FIR No. 27/2025 registered at Police Station Keller. Attachment proceedings were conducted in the presence of a duly constituted police team, an Executive Magistrate, the Lambardar, and the Chowkidar, ensuring legal compliance and transparency, police said.

Broader Anti-Narcotics Drive

The Shopian attachment is part of a wider campaign to dismantle the financial infrastructure of narcotics trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir by targeting assets allegedly acquired through drug proceeds. As part of this continuing drive, security forces have been conducting operations against drug smugglers and peddlers across the region.

Notably, the crackdown extends beyond property seizures — authorities have also been cancelling driving licences, passports, and Aadhaar cards of those found involved in the drug trade, in addition to attaching both immovable and movable assets. This multi-pronged approach signals an effort to choke off the economic lifelines of narcotics networks operating in the Valley.

Pattern of Dual-Front Operations

Wednesday's twin operations reflect a pattern of simultaneous counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics actions that security forces in J&K have increasingly pursued. Analysts have noted that drug trafficking and militancy networks in the region are often interlinked, with narcotics proceeds reportedly used to fund arms procurement. Dismantling both simultaneously, as seen in Wednesday's operations, is consistent with this dual-front strategy. Further operations are expected as part of the security forces' sustained campaign.