Drug peddler’s property attached in Kupwara

A property of an alleged drug peddler in Kupwara district worth about Rs 25 lakh was Friday attached by authorities, police said.

In a decisive move against drug trafficking, police in Handwara attached the property of a notorious drug peddler under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act as part of its relentless efforts to curb the drug menace and its illicit proceeds, a police spokesperson said.

He said the seized asset is a double-storey residential house with an attic, located in Magam area of Handwara, in the north Kashmir district.

The property, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh, belongs to Hilal Ahmad Rather. It was found to have been illegally constructed using proceeds from drug trafficking, the spokesperson said.

He said Rather is accused in a major NDPS case involving a commercial quantity of contraband for which case has been registered, with charges under Sections 8/20 and 29 of the NDPS Act.

Following thorough investigation and adherence to legal procedures, the property has been formally attached, the spokesperson added.

Three timber smugglers detained under PSA in Kupwara

Srinagar: J&K Forest Department has taken stringent action against three habitual timber smugglers and detained them under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Kupwara district.

A spokesperson said the action was formalised through orders issued by the Kupwara Deputy Commissioner, following the recommendations from the Divisional Forest Officer of Kamraj Forest Division.

The offenders were found consistently involved in illegal timber smuggling activities that pose a serious threat to public order and the region’s ecological integrity.

Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, emphasised that this action delivers a clear and firm message to all offenders. “Forest Department remains resolute in its mission to safeguard our green assets. We will not hesitate to act against those who harm forests,” he added.