Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 20: Amid the ongoing crackdown on narco-terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir administration recently dismissed five police personnel for their involvement in drug trafficking. Just three days ago, another police officer was arrested on the outskirts of Jammu city for drug possession, highlighting the challenge of rooting out the drug menace within the ranks of law enforcement.
In a significant breakthrough under Operation Sanjeevani, the Jammu Police apprehended two individuals, including a Special Police Officer (SPO) posted at the District Police Line (DPL) Poonch, for drug trafficking. The operation took place in the Miran Sahib area of R.S. Pura subdivision.
A police spokesperson revealed that the suspects were intercepted while traveling from Samba towards Akhnoor on the Ring Road. On noticing the police checkpoint, they attempted to flee but were quickly detained.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Irfan Hussain (SPO at DPL Poonch), son of Matloob Hussain, resident of Galuta, Tehsil Mendhar and Sajjad Hussain Shah, son of Sarfraz Hussain Shah, resident of Potha Surankot, District Poonch.
A search of their vehicle led to the recovery of heroin-like substances. An FIR (No. 11/2025) has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act at Police Station Miran Sahib. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their drug network.
The arrest of the SPO follows a string of incidents where police personnel were implicated in drug-related activities.
In November 2024, two constables were arrested in separate incidents in Jammu city including Constable Parwaiz Khan and his two wives.
On November 7, 2024, constable Parwaiz Khan, posted with the Crime Branch of the J&K Police, was arrested alongside his two wives, Nargis Bhat and Parveen Akhtar. The trio was accused of selling narcotics across the Jammu region.
During a raid at Khan's residence, police recovered ganja, chara Amid the ongoing crackdown on narco-terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir administration recently dismissed five policemen for their involvement in drug trafficking.
Just three days ago, another SPO was arrested on the outskirts of Jammu city for drug possession.
The arrest of the SPO follows a string of incidents where police personnel were found involved in drug-related activities.
The administration’s intensified efforts under initiatives like Operation Sanjeevani reflect its commitment to address the drug menace and restore public trust.
Khan reportedly exploited his position to acquire narcotics from narco-terrorists and distribute them through his network.
On November 12, 2024, Selection Grade Constable Mohammad Mukhtiyar was arrested for running a narco-terror module in Jammu city. Mukhtiyar, originally from Geloti, District Udhampur, was operating out of Government Medical College, Jammu.
Posted in the Armed Police 12th Battalion, Zewan, Srinagar, Mukhtiyar was allegedly part of a drug syndicate responsible for distributing narcotics to local youths, leading to cases of overdose deaths. He was suspended immediately following his arrest.
In August 2025, the administration terminated the services of five police personnel for their direct involvement in drug trafficking. The terminated personnel included Saif Din, Selection Grade Constable, resident of Shigani Bhallesa, District Doda, Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Head Constable, resident of Tangdar, District Kupwara, Rahmat Shah, Constable, resident of Karnah, District Kupwara, Irshad Ahmad Chalkoo, Selection Grade Constable, resident of Silikote Uri, District Baramulla, and Khalid Hussain Shah, Selection Grade Constable, resident of Tangdar, District Kupwara.
The involvement of police personnel in drug trafficking poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies in Jammu and Kashmir. While strict actions such as arrests and terminations are being taken, the issue underscores the need for robust internal monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that those tasked with combating crime do not themselves become complicit in it.
The administration’s intensified efforts under initiatives like Operation Sanjeevani reflect its commitment to addressing the drug menace and restoring public trust in the police force. However, sustained vigilance and systemic reforms are critical to eradicating narco-terrorism from the region. |
