Jammu

Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda on Friday claimed to have dismantled an online drug supply network and seized 2,000 Pregabalin capsules allegedly meant for illegal distribution in the district.

The operation was conducted as part of the administration's ongoing drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign, aimed at curbing drug abuse and the illegal trafficking of pharmaceutical intoxicants.

According to police, they had received specific intelligence inputs regarding the procurement and distribution of Pregabalin-IP 300 mg capsules through online platforms and courier services.

Acting on the information, police launched surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations to verify the tip-off and identify those involved in the alleged racket.

Based on the findings, officers apprehended a suspect identified as Sarmad Ali Khan, a resident of Khanpura Phagsoo who was presently living in Nai Basti, Thathri, shortly after he collected a suspicious parcel from a courier centre.

During inspection, the parcel was found to contain 2,000 Pregabalin capsules packed in 200 strips of 10 capsules each, police said.

Officials noted that although Pregabalin is a prescription medicine used to treat certain neurological conditions, it is increasingly being misused as an intoxicating substance.

The entire consignment was seized on the spot and a case was registered under relevant legal provisions.

The accused was later produced before the Executive Magistrate First Class (EMIC), Thathri, who remanded him to six days of judicial custody at District Jail Bhaderwah, police said.

Investigators believe the seizure has exposed an illegal online channel used to distribute pharmaceutical drugs for abuse and prevented a substantial quantity of intoxicating substances from entering circulation in the district.

Police said further investigations are underway to identify the source of supply, trace financial transactions linked to the operation, and determine the involvement of other members of the alleged network.

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Efforts are also being made to uncover both the backward and forward linkages of the suspected drug syndicate, while searches continue to apprehend other individuals who may be connected to the case.