Anantnag, Apr 30 (KNO): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, Amod Ashok Nagpure, believes that parents are the first line of defence against drug abuse, saying their close involvement with children puts them in the best position to detect early warning signs.
In an interview with the news agency - Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reporter Umaisar Gull, the SSP said that stigma often prevents families from reporting addiction or links to narcotics, allowing the problem to escalate. He urged people, especially parents, to come forward without hesitation and seek timely intervention.
Excerpts:
KNO: What is the objective of 'Nasha Mukt J&K' campaign and Anantnag Police's response?
SSP: The campaign was launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to make J&K drug-free. Anantnag Police have intensified anti-drug operations and are working proactively to curb trafficking and abuse.
KNO: What achievements have been recorded so far in the district?
SSP: In just seventeen days, we have registered 81 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 60 drug peddlers. This reflects our strong, focused efforts to combat the drug menace.
KNO: What contraband was seized during this period?
SSP: We have recovered a huge quantity of contraband, including nearly 160 kilograms of charas and ganja. Investigations into other substances are also underway.
KNO: What steps have been taken against illegal poppy cultivation?
SSP: We have conducted around 300 drives to destroy illegal poppy cultivation and registered 30 FIRs against those involved.
KNO: Has any action been taken against properties linked to drug trafficking?
SSP: Yes, properties worth Rs 3.25 crore, raised through illegal drug trade, have been attached under the NDPS Act. Additionally, illegal encroachments on prime land worth Rs 2.5 crore have been demolished.
KNO: How has the public responded to the anti-drug campaign?
SSP: The response has been very encouraging. We have received 362 inputs through a secured helpline and personal contacts, which have significantly aided our operations.
KNO: How are K9 units being used in seizure operations?
SSP: We have six K9s. These are newly trained in various assignments such as narcotics detection, explosives detection, tracking, and other roles. They are a great help in detecting narcotics. Their presence also adds to deterrence.
KNO: What role do parents and society play in preventing drug abuse?
SSP: Parents are the first line of defence. They are the closest to the young generation. They spend the maximum time with their children. So, parents have a significant responsibility in, first of all, identifying if there is any erratic behaviour on the part of their children - the kind of company their children are keeping, the kind of content their children are consuming on social media, their habits, and any changes in habits if they occur.
Parents are our first detection source. They should be aware of their children's habits and behaviour. In case of any aberration or any extraordinary observation, they should bring it to the notice of teachers, the nearest health facility, or the nearest police facility.
KNO: How are mosques and religious leaders involved in awareness efforts?
SSP: Community platforms such as mosques, temples, other religious institutions, media platforms, and educational institutions have a very significant responsibility in reducing the demand for narcotics. We have appealed to all social institutions to contribute their part in raising awareness and promoting the anti-drug campaign. We have received a very good response from all stakeholders of society. I am happy that religious institutions, especially, are very forthcoming. They are continuously using their platforms to raise awareness, explain the ill effects of drugs to people, and amplify the efforts of the government and the police administration.
KNO: What rehabilitation facilities and support systems are available for victims?
SSP: We have a Government Medical College (GMC) facility with addiction services available at GMC Anantnag. We also have a police-run de-addiction centre, as well as another police-run de-addiction centre at PCR Hospital, Srinagar. So, various facilities are available.
The need is that people should come forward, especially parents, and report these cases. Usually, because of the stigma attached to it, people hide their addiction and hide connections with narcotics, and that leads to the escalation of problems. It is necessary that we nip it in the bud and that people come forward and accept the challenge.
KNO: Your appeal to people to fight drug abuse?
SSP: My appeal to the general public as the police chief is that this is a war against drugs, and we are all frontline warriors. We are all stakeholders. This is not just the job of the police; it is a community effort. Only when all stakeholders of the community join hands will we be able to deliver a serious blow to the narcotics syndicate.
Therefore, I appeal to everyone to come forward, join hands with the police, share information, share intelligence, raise awareness, stay safe, and let us together defeat this menace of narcotics—(KNO)