Did NCB Capture a Former Militant and His Associate for Poppy Straw Smuggling in J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NCB arrested a former militant and aide involved in poppy straw smuggling.
- Operation yielded 39 kilograms of poppy straw.
- Shabir's background includes ties to the JKLF and previous arrests.
- Public involvement is crucial in the fight against drug trafficking.
- NCB’s establishment in Srinagar aims to strengthen narcotics enforcement.
Srinagar/New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) — The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) from the Srinagar Zone apprehended a former militant along with his accomplice, dismantling a narcotics smuggling operation in South Kashmir, as confirmed by an official on Sunday.
Following reliable intelligence, NCB Srinagar executed a focused operation in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir on July 8-9. This operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 28 kilograms of poppy straw and the detention of the two suspects – former militant Shabir, a resident of Nowshera, Police Station Srigufwara, District Anantnag, and Amin, a resident of Kanelwan, Police Station Bijbehara, District Anantnag.
During interrogation, additional disclosures led to the recovery of around 11 kilograms of poppy straw from Shabir's premises in Nowshera, Srigufwara, Anantnag.
Investigations have uncovered that Shabir was affiliated with the prohibited organization Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and had been arrested in 1996 for his involvement in terror activities, later being released in 2004.
Furthermore, Amin's criminal history includes previous involvement in NDPS cases, one registered at Police Station Indaura, Himachal Pradesh, in 2017, and another at Police Station Srigufwara, District Anantnag, concerning the seizure of 523 kilograms of poppy straw, for which he was released on bail in both cases.
An official reported that the networks involved in this case are currently being investigated. It has been learned that the syndicate sources contraband from local poppy cultivators and facilitates its interstate transport through illicit channels.
The establishment of the NCB office in Srinagar aligns with the Union Government's strategic initiative to reinforce narcotics enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir.
The NCB is dedicated to disrupting the drug trade and its related activities, safeguarding youth from its detrimental effects, and ensuring robust inter-agency collaboration across the Union Territory, as stated.
In the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, the NCB appeals for public support. Citizens can contribute information regarding narcotics sales by contacting the MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll-Free Number-1933, with the caller's identity maintained confidential.