Nearly 700 Arrested, Properties Seized As Massive Anti-Drug Drive Sweeps J&K
J&K Police, along with other law‑enforcement agencies, continue to register cases under the NDPS Act, seize contraband, and dismantle networks involved in trafficking across districts such as Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Jammu, and Kathua.
Srinagar: As the anti‑drug campaign underway across Jammu and Kashmir has intensified into one of the region’s most expansive enforcement and awareness drives in recent years, nearly 700 drug peddlers and smugglers have been arrested, and dozens of properties— including residential houses allegedly built or acquired through narcotics proceeds—have been demolished or sealed by authorities.
J&K Police, along with other law‑enforcement agencies, continue to register cases under the NDPS Act, seize contraband, and dismantle networks involved in trafficking across districts such as Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Jammu, and Kathua. These actions form part of a broader strategy combining strict enforcement with large‑scale public outreach.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has repeatedly emphasised that the campaign is not limited to punitive measures. Speaking at multiple anti‑drug events in Baramulla, he revealed that over 235,000 awareness and outreach programmes have been conducted across the Union Territory. These include school‑level campaigns, community meetings, religious gatherings, and youth‑focused initiatives aimed at prevention and early intervention. According to the administration, more than 44,000 OPD patients have received treatment for substance‑use disorders in the past month alone, reflecting the government’s focus on rehabilitation alongside enforcement.
Addressing a massive “Nasha Mukt” rally in Baramulla, 55-km northwest of capital Srinagar —attended by thousands of students, government employees, civil society members, and local residents—the Lt. Governor reiterated that drug consumers must be treated as victims, not culprits. He stressed that individuals struggling with addiction require compassion, medical care, and reintegration support. The rally, marked by placards, slogans, and coordinated participation from various sections of society, underscored the administration’s message that combating drug abuse is a collective societal responsibility.
Sinha also urged citizens to play an active role by reporting drug peddlers or any laxity in enforcement. He stated that “every minute is important” in the fight against narcotics and assured that authorities would act swiftly on credible information. He called upon religious scholars, community elders, and civil society groups to join the movement, noting that their involvement is crucial in shaping public attitudes and protecting youth from addiction.
In his address, Lt. Governor praised the police for their dual role in enforcement and awareness, noting that the administration would continue to intensify operations. Measures such as vehicle de‑registration, lookout notices, and property seizure will be used against individuals involved in drug trafficking, regardless of their location or influence.
He maintained that the government’s approach is two-pronged: strict action against traffickers and compassionate rehabilitation for victims. He reaffirmed that the campaign will continue to expand, with the ultimate goal of creating a drug‑free J&K and safeguarding the future of the region’s youth.
