Kathua, August 20: In what police have described as a first-of-its-kind action in Jammu and Kashmir under the newly enacted criminal laws, J&K Police Kathua has attached a vehicle allegedly identified as proceeds of crime in connection with a narcotics case in Billawar.

The action was carried out by the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Billawar, under the guidance of SP Operations Upper Kathua and SDPO Billawar, and under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, IPS.

According to police, the attached vehicle is a car bearing registration number JK08Q-4484, registered in the name of Shabir Shah, son of Yousaf Shah, a resident of Karandi Kalan, Tehsil Marheen, Kathua. Police said the vehicle was being driven at the time of the incident by his brother, Bagh Shah, son of Yousaf Shah, who has been booked under the PIT-NDPS Act and is presently lodged in District Jail Kishtwar.

The action relates to FIR No. 56/2026, registered at Police Station Billawar under Sections 8/21/22/29 of the NDPS Act. During the investigation, police found that the vehicle was allegedly being used in connection with drug-smuggling activities.

Following due legal procedure and after obtaining the necessary orders from the Court of JMIC Billawar, the vehicle was attached under Section 107 read with Section 6 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

J&K Police Kathua said the action reflects its continued efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle the financial assets and resources allegedly linked to narcotics-related offences.

The police reiterated its commitment to taking strict legal action against drug smugglers and other criminals by utilising the strengthened provisions of the new criminal laws.