Srinagar Police have busted an alleged organised narcotics network operating in the downtown area of Srinagar, leading to the arrest of eight people and the recovery of a large quantity of banned substances, cash, gold and a pistol. According to police officials, the action followed an investigation into an alleged Srinagar Drug Network in which different individuals were suspected of performing different roles in the supply and distribution chain. The investigation is now being expanded beyond Jammu and Kashmir, with police teams reaching Chandigarh and Punjab to trace suspected links connected with the wider network. The police action is being investigated under provisions of the NDPS Act, the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities have said the investigation is focused not only on identifying people allegedly involved in the supply of narcotics but also on tracing the financial and logistical structure supporting the network.

Eight People Arrested in Downtown Srinagar

Police said eight people have been arrested in connection with the case registered at Safakadal police station. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammad Waseem Zargar, Haris Hameed Malla, Aqib Saleem Dar, Inam Ahmad Zargar, Sahib Ahmad Ganaie, Ansar Hussain Bhat, Peer Shakoor and Haroon Pandit. Police said the accused allegedly had different roles within the network. Investigators are now examining their individual connections, sources of supply, distribution routes and financial transactions. The case has been registered as FIR No. 135/2026 at Safakadal police station under several sections of the NDPS Act, along with provisions of the Arms Act and Section 111 of the BNS.

Large Quantity of Banned Substances Recovered

The investigation has resulted in the recovery of several types of narcotic and pharmaceutical substances. According to the Srinagar SSP, police recovered approximately 3.830 kilograms of codeine and around 40 grams of heroin. Investigators also seized 414 tablets or capsules containing tramadol. One of the largest recoveries involved tapentadol, with police reporting the seizure of approximately 2,18,500 tablets. Around 1,200 pregabalin capsules were also recovered. The range of substances recovered has led investigators to examine whether the alleged network was involved in the distribution of both conventional narcotics and pharmaceutical drugs that can be misused. Police are examining the source of these substances and the routes through which they allegedly entered the local supply chain. ₹85.76 Lakh Cash and Gold Worth More Than ₹1 Crore Seized The recovery of cash and precious metals is being examined as part of the investigation into the alleged financial structure of the narcotics operation.

₹1.07 Crore in Bank Accounts Frozen

Police have also taken action against suspected financial assets connected with the case. According to officials, approximately ₹1.07 crore held in multiple bank accounts has been frozen. A residential property belonging to Mohammad Waseem Zargar was also attached. Police further attached two vehicles allegedly linked to the investigation, including a Maruti Brezza and a Suzuki Ertiga. The action indicates that investigators are looking beyond the physical recovery of drugs and are also examining assets and financial transactions that may be connected with the alleged Drug Trafficking network. Investigation Reaches Punjab and Chandigarh

The investigation has now moved beyond Srinagar.

SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy said police teams had reached Chandigarh and Punjab while tracing possible connections of the alleged supply network. Punjab Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau have also assisted the investigation, according to police. Investigators are examining whether transport agencies were used to move narcotic substances between different locations. Police are also working to identify alleged distributors, forward links and people who may have benefited financially from the operation. The interstate angle could help investigators determine how the alleged supply chain operated and whether the Srinagar network was connected to a larger distribution system.

Police Looking Beyond Arrests

Officials said the objective of the investigation is not limited to arresting suspected members of the network. Police are attempting to map the entire alleged narcotics supply chain, including suppliers, transporters, distributors and financial beneficiaries. Investigators are also examining the movement of money and the assets allegedly acquired through the proceeds of illegal activity. This approach forms part of a wider effort by Srinagar Police to target both the operational and financial sides of alleged narcotics networks. The authorities have previously taken similar steps against assets allegedly linked to drug trafficking in Srinagar and surrounding areas.

Some Suspects Still Absconding

Police have also identified additional people who are allegedly linked to the investigation but have not yet been arrested. Officials said Mazam Firdous Khanday, Farzan Pallwala and Mohammad Sharvar, reportedly from Muzaffar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, are absconding. Police teams are continuing efforts to locate them. Their alleged role in the network will be subject to investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities have indicated that more arrests and recoveries could follow as investigators examine the forward and backward linkages of the alleged network.

Why the Pharmaceutical Drug Seizure Matters

The recovery of large quantities of pharmaceutical tablets has added another dimension to the case. Apart from heroin and codeine, investigators reported the seizure of tapentadol, tramadol and pregabalin-related medicines. Such pharmaceutical substances can have legitimate medical uses, but their unauthorised distribution or misuse can lead to serious legal and health concerns. The investigation will now seek to establish where the medicines came from, how they were allegedly obtained and how they were being distributed. Police are also examining whether different people were responsible for sourcing, transporting and distributing the substances.

Read Also: Two Ascetics Killed, Bodies Burnt at Shahjahanpur Temple Over Land Dispute

Police Examine Transport and Distribution Links

According to officials, transport agencies allegedly used by the network are also under scrutiny. Investigators are attempting to identify the routes through which the substances were transported and determine whether the same channels were repeatedly used. Tracing these links could help police establish whether the alleged operation was limited to Srinagar or formed part of a wider interstate network. The investigation is continuing, and officials have indicated that further evidence could lead to additional arrests and seizures.

Case Registered Under Multiple Laws

The case has been registered under multiple legal provisions. The FIR includes provisions of the NDPS Act, which governs offences involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Provisions of the Arms Act have also been invoked following the recovery of a pistol.

Section 111 of the BNS has also been included in the case.

The final legal responsibility of each accused will be determined through the investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings. Being arrested or named in an FIR does not by itself establish guilt.

Srinagar Police Continue Anti-Narcotics Drive

The latest operation comes amid a broader anti-narcotics campaign in Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir. Recent police actions in the region have increasingly focused on identifying alleged drug networks and targeting assets believed to be connected with illegal narcotics activity. Police have also been using financial investigations and property attachment measures alongside arrests and seizures. In this case, investigators are attempting to connect the individual arrests with the larger alleged supply structure. The recovery of drugs, cash, gold and a weapon, combined with frozen bank accounts and attached property, has given investigators multiple lines of inquiry. For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and police have indicated that further developments are expected as they trace the network's interstate connections.