Srinagar Police Bust Major Drug Syndicate, Several Suspects Arrested In Inter-State Operation

Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an alleged inter-state narcotics network in Srinagar, arresting at least eight people and recovering more than 2.19 lakh tablets and capsules of pharmaceutical drugs, officials said on Thursday. The police also recovered cash, gold, a firearm and other valuables during raids carried out as part of the investigation. The operation was aimed at identifying and dismantling an organised network allegedly involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of banned pharmaceutical drugs.

According to the police, the network had links to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala and was allegedly operating across multiple states. Investigators suspect that the module was involved in sourcing pharmaceutical drugs and transporting them for distribution in Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring states. The large quantity of tablets and capsules recovered during the operation has led authorities to describe the network as an organised narcotics operation rather than an isolated case of drug possession.

Srinagar Senior Superintendent of Police G V Sandeep Chakarvari said the police had uncovered the network in the downtown area of the city. He said the investigation began with the arrest of Waseem Zargar, which subsequently led investigators to other alleged members of the network. “So far, eight accused have been arrested,” Chakarvari said, adding that the police effort was focused on identifying the wider network and dismantling it. The arrests and recoveries are part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged supply chain.

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The police said the searches resulted in the recovery of more than 2.19 lakh tablets and capsules of pharmaceutical drugs. In addition to the suspected narcotics, investigators recovered cash, gold, a firearm and other valuables. The nature and source of the recovered drugs, as well as their intended distribution channels, are being examined as part of the investigation. Authorities are also looking into the financial and logistical aspects of the alleged network to determine how the drugs were procured and moved between different locations.

The investigation has also extended beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Police said one of the accused was arrested in Bengaluru, indicating that the alleged network had connections outside the region. Investigators are examining the wider linkages of the module and are seeking to identify other people who may have been involved in procuring, transporting or distributing the banned pharmaceutical drugs. The police have not yet indicated whether additional arrests will follow as the investigation progresses.

The alleged cartel's links to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ambala have also widened the scope of the case, with investigators examining possible supply routes connecting these locations with Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring states. Police are working to establish the complete structure of the network, including its alleged suppliers, transporters and distributors. The recovery of a firearm, cash, gold and other valuables has also added additional elements to the investigation beyond the suspected drug offences.

With eight arrests made so far, Jammu and Kashmir Police said their immediate focus remains on dismantling the entire network and identifying its wider connections. The operation comes amid continuing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt the supply and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs being used illegally. Further action will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation, including information obtained from the arrested suspects and the examination of the seized drugs, valuables and other material recovered during the raids.

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