Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): As part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan,” Police on Wednesday arrested 17 alleged drug peddlers in multiple operations across South and Central Kashmir, attached and froze properties worth over Rs 2.5 crore linked to narcotics trade. It also cancelled a driving licence in an NDPS case, and conducted awareness programmes.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the arrests were made in Anantnag, Shopian, Budgam and Kulgam, with significant quantities of contraband substances including charas, heroin, cannabis and poppy straw were recovered during raids and naka checking.
An official said, “In Anantnag, police seized over 6.6 kg of charas during a raid in Srigufwara, while smaller quantities were recovered in separate naka checks at Larnoo, Pahalgam and Sangam, leading to multiple arrests. In Shopian, one person was held with around 120 grams of charas-like substance during checking in Keller.”
“In Budgam, two persons were arrested in Magam after over 1.1 kg of semi-grinded charas-like substance was recovered from their possession,” he added.
The official said, “Kulgam district saw the highest number of arrests, with 10 alleged peddlers held in separate operations. Police said heroin, charas, cannabis and poppy straw were seized at multiple checkpoints, including Khudwani, Qaimoh, Qazigund and Devsar, while poppy cultivation on a large patch of land in Sopat village was also destroyed.
As part of financial investigations into drug trafficking, police in Shopian attached a double-storey residential house valued at ₹25.8 lakh, allegedly acquired through proceeds of narcotics trade. In Anantnag, four residential properties worth around ₹2.25 crore were frozen under provisions of the NDPS Act in connection with ongoing investigations.”
Police also cancelled the driving licence of an accused involved in a narcotics case in Anantnag, citing legal provisions under the NDPS Act. Alongside enforcement measures, awareness programmes were conducted in Awantipora and Shopian in collaboration with educational institutions and civil administration.
Students and community members were sensitised about the harmful effects of drug abuse, legal consequences and the need for collective action to curb the menace.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi also chaired a crime review meeting of the Kashmir Zone, directing officers to improve investigation quality, raise conviction rates and intensify action against drug networks.
The meeting, held at the Police Control Room in Srinagar, was attended by range Deputy Inspectors General, district Senior Superintendents of Police, and other senior officers.
Officials said the IGP conducted a comprehensive review of the overall crime scenario across the Valley. District SSsP gave detailed presentations on measures taken to curb criminal activities in their respective jurisdictions.
Discussions focused on disposal of general crime cases, as well as cases registered under the NDPS Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The status of absconders, preventive actions under various laws, and pending inquest proceedings were also reviewed.
IGP Birdi commended field officers for their sustained efforts in maintaining law and order but stressed the need to further strengthen investigations. He directed officers to develop a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure higher conviction rates, particularly in cases related to narcotics and militancy.
The IGP also reviewed the progress of the “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan” across the zone. He assessed enforcement measures, including arrests of drug peddlers and attachment of properties linked to proceeds of crime in NDPS cases.
Awareness drives and anti-drug campaigns targeting youth were also evaluated.
He instructed district police chiefs to intensify operations against drug trafficking networks and expedite legal proceedings to dismantle the ecosystem supporting narcotics trade.
Reviewing the security situation, the IGP directed officers to enhance area domination exercises and strengthen night patrolling, especially in vulnerable areas, to maintain a strong security grid—(KNO)