Israeli tourist held with suspected narcotics; NDPS case registered

ZANSKAR: Acting tough against drug trafficking in Ladakh, Zanskar Police on Tuesday arrested an Israeli national after recovering suspected narcotic substances from his possession during a routine vehicle check at the Police Check Post Kargyak/Gonbo Rangjon in Zanskar.

According to a police, the accused has been identified as Adir Yemini (24), a resident of Israel, who was travelling from Manali towards Zanskar in a private Alto car (Registration No. UK11A-1621).

Police said the vehicle was intercepted during routine checking, following which the passenger’s belongings were searched. During the search, officers allegedly recovered 104 grams of charas-like substance, 16 grams of ganja-like substance, and a negligible quantity of heroin-like substance from his possession.

The recovered substances were seized and sealed on the spot after completing all mandatory legal formalities. Following the seizure, FIR No. 23/2026 has been registered at Police Station Zanskar under Sections 8/20/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is underway.

Reiterating its commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region, District Police Zanskar said it will continue its sustained anti-narcotics campaign and appealed to the public to share any information related to illegal drugs with the nearest police station or by dialling 112. Police assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

The latest seizure comes amid intensified efforts by Ladakh Police to curb the movement and distribution of narcotic substances in the Union Territory, particularly along key travel routes frequented during the tourist season.