In a recent operation, police in Awantipora arrested four individuals for allegedly attempting to smuggle saffron seeds outside of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was initiated after receiving a tip about the illegal transport. A special checkpoint was quickly established at the IC PP Toll Plaza under the guidance of the SHO of the Awantipora Police Station. The police investigation led to the apprehension of Ashok Kumar from Haryana, Prem Singh from Delhi, Gulzar Ahmed Khan, and Ahmed Din Choudhary.
The suspects were traveling in a Swift car, and a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately 150 kilograms of saffron seeds packed in four bags. The recovered seeds were subsequently handed over to the Department of Agriculture for the next steps. The law strictly prohibits the transportation of saffron seeds outside the Union Territory. The Department of Agriculture is set to take action in the matter under the Saffron Act.