SRINAGAR: Drug peddlers are finding new ways to supply narcotics. In Srinagar, the police busted a ring of three drug peddlers who were found using drones in their trade to monitor movement of consumers and also keep track of police movement. This is for the first time that drone has been found in peddlers’ possession in the Valley.
A police officer said the cops intercepted three persons riding a motorcycle in Safa Kadal area of downtown Srinagar a few days back. The trio identified as Ajaz Ahmad Ganie, Owais Ahmad Gojree and Mir Roman -- all residents of Srinagar -- were thoroughly searched by the policemen.
“During search, 140 bottles of codeine phosphate concealed in a box, cash amounting to Rs 38,530, 1 drone and 3 cellphones were recovered from their possession,” the officer said.
The recovery of the drone has raised a security alarm. A police team questioned the three drug peddlers about the recovery. “A preliminary investigation revealed that these peddlers were using drones to monitor the movement of consumers (buyers). Through drone surveillance, they were ensuring that the buyers were not accompanied by policemen,” said police officer.
Security officials are probing whether drones have been used to transport narcotics. “All angles are being probed and the origin of the drone is also being ascertained,” a security official said.
‘Buyers were not accompanied by policemen’
The recovery of the drone has raised a security alarm. A police team questioned three drug peddlers about the recovery. “A preliminary investigation revealed that these peddlers were using drones to monitor the movement of buyers. Through drone surveillance, they were ensuring that the buyers were not accompanied by policemen,” said another police officer.