Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 29: In a major crackdown more than 296 drug peddlers have been arrested and over 281 cases registered under the NDPS Act across Kashmir, under the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
The figures were shared during a high-level review meeting co-chaired by IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi and the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg at the Police Control Room (PCR) here, to assess the progress of the 100-day anti-drug initiative, Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan.
The campaign, launched by the Lieutenant Governor as a time-bound and outcome-oriented initiative, aims to intensify the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the Union Territory, with directions to all departments and enforcement agencies to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against drug peddling.
The meeting was attended by all range Deputy Inspectors General of Kashmir, all Deputy Commissioners of the Kashmir zone, all district Senior Superintendents of Police, the Joint Director Police Headquarters and other senior officers.
District Senior Superintendents of Police briefed the seniors on the ongoing operations against drug networks and peddlers.
They reported that sustained enforcement under the NDPS Act led to the arrest of more than 296 drug peddlers, registration of over 281 cases, and identification of key hotspots.
The officers further informed that around 460 awareness programmes have been organised to sensitise the public, especially students, about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Illegal cultivation of contraband spread over about 15 kanals of land has been destroyed, while several chemist shops found violating drug regulations were sealed during enforcement drives.
Properties linked to drug trafficking have also been identified and attached under relevant legal provisions.
Deputy Commissioners briefed the chair on district-level measures under the campaign, highlighting intensified awareness activities in educational institutions, panchayats and vulnerable areas, along with strengthened coordination with line departments.
The IGP Kashmir stressed the need for sustained and coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug networks and curb substance abuse.
He called for strict action against offenders, strengthening of intelligence-based operations, and effective prosecution to ensure higher conviction rates.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving civil administration, health departments, educational institutions and civil society organisations.
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