J&K Police arrests 7 drug peddlers in Anantnag, recovers over 8 kg contraband
Synopsis
Seven drug peddlers arrested in a single day across Anantnag — with suspects from Gujarat among those caught — and over 8 kg of contraband seized, including a 7.17 kg ganja haul from a residential raid. The inter-state angle suggests J&K's drug networks extend well beyond the Valley.
Key Takeaways
J&K Police arrested seven drug peddlers in Anantnag on 26 October 2026 during multiple coordinated operations.
The largest single seizure was approximately 7.170 kilograms of ganja -like substance recovered from a residential raid in Baliyar Marhama.
Total contraband recovered included multiple charas seizures ranging from 15 grams to 230 grams , plus the 7.17 kg ganja haul.
Two suspects — Bittu Dantani and Ajay Kumar — were residents of Gujarat , indicating an inter-state supply angle.
A vehicle — a Hyundai i10 (JK05B-3181) — used in the alleged commission of a crime was also seized.
Cases registered at respective police stations; further investigations are underway.
Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag district arrested seven drug peddlers on Monday, 26 October 2026, recovering a substantial cache of contraband substances — including approximately 7.17 kilograms of ganja and multiple seizures of charas — during a series of coordinated operations across the district. The crackdown is part of a sustained anti-narcotics drive by local police targeting drug trafficking networks in south Kashmir.
Operations and Arrests
A police party from Police Station Anantnag apprehended Sareer Ahmad Bhat, son of Khazir Mohammad Bhat, resident of Chirhama Mirbazar, at Nawvathoo Danter, recovering approximately 230 grams of charas-like substance from his possession.
In a separate interception, police stopped a Hyundai i10 bearing registration number JK05B-3181, driven by Mohd Altaf Bhat, son of Abdul Majeed Bhat, resident of Mirdanter. Approximately 153 grams of charas-like substance was recovered, and the vehicle used in the alleged commission of the crime was seized.
Gujarat Residents Among Those Arrested
In operations at Wazirbagh and near Police Station Anantnag, police apprehended Bittu Dantani, son of Raju Dantani, a resident of Chapur Mehdi Kuwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, currently residing at Achabal Adda, Anantnag, and Ajay Kumar, son of Kishan Kumar, resident of Verrugam Kadi, Gujarat. Approximately 17 grams and 22 grams of charas were respectively recovered from the two accused, pointing to an inter-state dimension in the district's drug supply chain.
Largest Single Recovery: 7.17 kg Ganja
Acting on credible intelligence, Police Post Sangam raided the residence of Bilal Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Wahab Bhat, resident of Baliyar Marhama, and recovered approximately 7.170 kilograms of ganja-like substance — the single largest seizure in Monday's operations.
Separately, a naka party of Police Post Shairbagh apprehended Danish Manzoor Shaikh, son of Manzoor Ahmad Shaikh, resident of Janglat Mandi, Anantnag, recovering approximately 205 grams of charas-like substance. A naka party of Police Station Mattan detained Javid Mukhtiyaar Pashoo, son of Mukhtiyaar Ahmad Pashoo, resident of Gopalpora, Mattan, from whom approximately 52.6 grams of charas-like substance was seized.
Additionally, a police party of Police Post DK Pora arrested Bashir Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Abdullah Bhat, resident of Brinty, with approximately 15 grams of charas.
Cases Registered, Investigations Underway
Cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations, and further investigations have been initiated, according to the police statement. This comes amid a broader, intensified effort by J&K Police to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the Kashmir Valley, where substance abuse among youth has been a growing concern flagged by civil society groups.
The police statement appealed for public cooperation: 'Police reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace and appeals to the general public to cooperate with police by sharing credible information regarding drug trafficking and peddling. Public participation remains vital in the collective effort to build a drug-free society.'
With inter-state suspects among those arrested, investigators are expected to probe supply-chain links beyond Jammu and Kashmir as the case progresses.
Point of View
Rather than naka seizures alone, will be central to the next phase of the crackdown. The 7.17 kg ganja recovery from a private residence — not a transit point — points to storage infrastructure embedded in residential areas, which is harder to dismantle and requires community cooperation. Whether Monday's arrests yield actionable supply-chain intelligence will determine whether this is a genuine disruption or a headline number.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drug peddlers were arrested in Anantnag on 26 October 2026?
Seven drug peddlers were arrested by J&K Police in Anantnag district on 26 October 2026 during a series of coordinated anti-narcotics operations. Cases have been registered at respective police stations and investigations are ongoing.
What contraband was recovered in the Anantnag drug bust?
Police recovered multiple quantities of charas-like substance ranging from 15 grams to 230 grams across different operations, along with approximately 7.170 kilograms of ganja-like substance from a residential raid in Baliyar Marhama. A Hyundai i10 vehicle was also seized.
Were any suspects from outside Jammu and Kashmir arrested?
Yes, two of the seven arrested — Bittu Dantani and Ajay Kumar — were residents of Gujarat, currently living in Anantnag. Their presence points to a possible inter-state dimension in the district's drug supply network.
Which police units conducted the Anantnag anti-drug operations?
The operations were carried out by multiple units including Police Station Anantnag, Police Post Sangam, Police Post Shairbagh, Police Station Mattan, and Police Post DK Pora. The operations spanned multiple locations across the district.
What is J&K Police asking the public to do about the drug menace?
J&K Police has appealed to citizens to share credible information about drug trafficking and peddling, stating that 'public participation remains vital in the collective effort to build a drug-free society.' The appeal came alongside Monday's announcement of the seven arrests.
