Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their efforts to combat drug abuse, resulting in numerous arrests and property seizures as part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan” (Drug-Free J&K Campaign). The campaign, which has been running for 100 days, reflects a coordinated approach across government departments to tackle drug abuse, strengthen rehabilitation efforts, and crack down on narcotics networks operating throughout the region.
The anti-drug campaign has included extensive public outreach and awareness programs. More than 216,123 awareness events have been held across Jammu and Kashmir, with over one crore participants. These events have included large-scale marches, programs in schools and colleges, village-level campaigns, youth engagement activities, seminars, rallies, sports and cultural events, and community interactions, all aimed at educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, counseling, and mental health support have been strengthened with the Tele-MANAS counseling initiative receiving 2,786 calls, indicating growing public trust in institutional mental health and addiction support systems.
Treatment and rehabilitation facilities have also been expanded as part of the campaign. Health Department Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) have treated 44,602 patients during the campaign, including 44,263 outpatients and 339 inpatients. According to reports, 148 patients have successfully completed treatment and been discharged. Social Welfare Department-operated Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) Rehabilitation Centers have admitted 441 patients, while 742 individuals have received counseling. Eighteen patients have fully recovered, and rehabilitation support continues for active beneficiaries. Police-run DDAC counseling and rehabilitation support centers have also reported positive outcomes, with 451 patients registered, 786 counseled, and 138 individuals successfully recovering.
In addition to treatment and prevention efforts, authorities have intensified law enforcement operations targeting drug networks. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have significantly increased anti-narcotics enforcement under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. (J&K Police reported that 614 FIRs have been registered, 646 individuals have been arrested, 435 drug peddlers have been apprehended, and 160 drug hotspots have been identified.)
Stringent measures have been taken to deter drug trafficking, including sealing or demolishing 37 properties linked to drug peddlers and seizing or attaching immovable properties worth approximately Rs 25.97 crore. Additional properties worth Rs 3.70 crore have been demolished, and movable properties worth Rs 1.67 crore have been seized.
Authorities have also taken action against the misuse of transport and pharmaceutical channels linked to narcotics activities. Two hundred and fifty-two driving licenses have been revoked, 111 vehicle registrations have been canceled, and 104 drug store licenses have been suspended. Two drug store licenses have been permanently revoked.
During the operation, significant quantities of narcotics have been seized by security and enforcement agencies, including 3.8 kg of heroin, 32.92 kg of charas, and 222.31 kg of ganja. Additionally, 21 marlas of illegal poppy cultivation were destroyed during the campaign.
Surveillance and preventive measures have been expanded to enhance community monitoring. According to officials, 3,067 chemist shops have been inspected, 2,815 CCTV cameras have been installed in vulnerable locations, and 977 schools and hospitals have been checked as part of preventive vigilance measures.
Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are also taking intelligence-based action, examining 107 suspects, identifying 2,807 peddlers, and carrying out 11 Preventive Detention in Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS) detentions under preventive detention laws.
The “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan” signifies an intensified integrated strategy to prevent drug abuse, supply eradication, and rehabilitation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.