Police busts illegal drug network in Baramulla; 02 arrested, medical establishments sealed

BARAMULLA: In a major crackdown against the illegal sale and distribution of psychotropic and intoxicating drugs under the ongoing anti-narcotics drive, Police in Baramulla achieved a significant success in Pattan area by unearthing an illicit drug supply network operating through medical establishments.

Police Station Pattan received credible information that one Musadiq Rashid Yatoo son of Ab Rashid Yatoo resident of Yadipora Pattan, proprietor of “Musa Medicate” located near Trauma Hospital Pattan, was clandestinely involved in the illegal sale of psychotropic/intoxicating drugs among the youth of the area.

Acting swiftly on the information, case FIR No. 108/2026 was registered at Police Station Pattan and investigation was initiated. During the course of investigation, search warrants were obtained from the Hon’ble JMIC Court Pattan. Subsequently, a raid was conducted by Police Station Pattan in presence of Executive Magistrate 1st Class Pattan, Drug Control Officer and independent witnesses.

During the raid, the accused was caught red-handed while illegally selling psychotropic drugs. 07 strips comprising 105 tablets of Tramadol were recovered and seized on spot in accordance with law. The accused was immediately arrested.

During sustained interrogation, the accused disclosed that the psychotropic drugs were being supplied by one Irfan Yousuf son of Mohd Yousuf Wani resident of Sherpora Bangil, proprietor of “Wani Pharma Distributor” near GDC Pattan, who was allegedly supplying such drugs without proper billing and legal procedure. Accordingly, the distributor’s premises near GDC Pattan were searched and sealed in presence of Executive Magistrate and Drug Control Officer after obtaining a separate search warrant from the Hon’ble JMIC Pattan. Simultaneously, the residential house of the accused at Sherpora Bangil was also searched.

During the searches, 69 strips comprising 690 tablets of Etisoma-0.25 (Etizolam) and 10 strips comprising 100 tablets of Cloprax-B20 were recovered. Both accused persons have been arrested in the instant case. During investigation, both medical establishments were also sealed by the Drug Control Officer and Executive Magistrate as per law.

Moreover, digital devices including 02 Laptops, 01 Tab, 01 DVR and 02 Mobile Phones belonging to the accused persons have also been seized for further forensic and technical examination.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain backward and forward linkages, identify the supply chain and uncover involvement of other persons connected with the illicit trade of narcotic and intoxicating drugs/medicines.

J&K Police remains committed towards eradicating the drug menace from society and appeals to the general public to cooperate with Police by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse in their areas.