Kulgam : April 21, 2026: In continuation of its sustained drive against drug trafficking, illicit cultivation of narcotic crops and unlawful liquor trade, Kulgam Police conducted multiple successful operations across the district and achieved significant success by registering six FIRs against illegal poppy cultivation, recovering 2.615 kilograms of poppy straw-like substance, and seizing 21 bottles of illicit liquor.
During the operations, Police Station Qazigund registered FIR No. 87/2026 and FIR No. 88/2026 under Sections 8/18 NDPS Act after receiving credible information regarding illicit poppy cultivation at Babapora and Bonigam. During spot verification, standing poppy crops were found, sampled, seized and destroyed on the spot in presence of the Executive Magistrate after completion of all legal formalities. In Bonigam, the land was found under possession of Ab Rehman Rather S/O Gh Hassan Rather R/O Bonigam.
During naka checking at Upper Bazar near Dooru Crossing, Police Station Qazigund apprehended one suspicious person carrying a nylon bag. Upon search, 2.615 kilograms of poppy straw-like substance was recovered from his possession. He was identified as Ali Mohd Khanday S/O Ab Salam Khanday R/O Larkipora Dooru. Accordingly, E-FIR No. 89/2026 under Sections 8/15 NDPS Act was registered and investigation set into motion.
Police also detected two more cases of illicit poppy cultivation at Zadoora and Lalipora falling under the jurisdiction of Police Post Mir Bazar. During enquiry, the land owners were identified as Reyaz Ahmad Mir S/O Ghulam Hassan Mir R/O Zadoora and Ghulam Mohammad Lone S/O Ghulam Rasool Lone R/O Lalipora. The standing crops were destroyed on the spot in presence of Executive Magistrate and local witnesses.
Meanwhile, Police Station Devsar registered FIR No. 23/2026 and FIR No. 24/2026 under Section 8/18 NDPS Act after detecting two separate patches of land under illicit poppy cultivation at Kilam, measuring approximately 1.60 marlas and 1 marla respectively. During preliminary enquiry, the land was found under possession of Ab Majeed Mir S/O Habibullah Mir R/O Kilam Shanpora and Fareed Ahmad Itoo S/O Ab Rahman Itoo R/O Kilam.
Further, during naka checking at Harnag Railway Road, Police Station Qaimoh apprehended one person and recovered 21 bottles of IMFL liquor from his possession, found in excess of permissible limit and without any valid permit or licence. The accused was identified as Yogendra Yadav S/O Dahari Yadav R/O West Champaran, Bihar. Accordingly, FIR No. 35/2026 under Section 48 of J&K Excise Act was registered.
Kulgam Police remains committed towards eradicating the menace of drugs and other unlawful activities from society. General public is requested to share any information regarding narcotics, illicit cultivation or illegal liquor trade with nearest police establishment. Identity of informers shall be kept strictly confidential.
