Kulgam: Kulgam Police have arrested two long-absconding offenders wanted in separate narcotics cases for nearly two decades.
Police said the arrested individuals were identified as Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, a resident of Nassu Badrahgund, and Bilal Ahmad Ganie, son of Ghulam Nabi Ganie, a native of Lalen Ganoor Kulgam who had been living at Levdora near the Railway Bridge Qazigund.
According to officials, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh was wanted in FIR No. 107/2005 registered under Sections 15 and 18 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Qazigund. After evading arrest for almost 20 years, he was finally apprehended near J&K Bank Qazigund. Meanwhile, Bilal Ahmad Ganie was wanted in FIR No. 223/2006 under the same sections of the NDPS Act and had been on the run for around 19 years before being located and detained.
A police spokesperson said both accused had been declared absconders and were evading arrest despite multiple warrants issued over the years. “Their arrest is a result of sustained efforts and intelligence-based operations conducted by Kulgam Police,” the spokesperson added.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying the crackdown on narcotics trafficking and ensuring that absconding offenders face the consequences of their actions. “No one involved in the drug trade will be allowed to escape the law, no matter how long they hide,” an official said.
Both the arrested individuals have been taken into custody and are being produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings. [KNT]
