Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented crackdown on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, with authorities arresting 1,731 individuals and seizing narcotics valued at over Rs 150 crore in a concentrated 76-day campaign. The ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu-Kashmir Abhiyaan,’ launched on April 11, marks the most extensive operation against the illicit drug trade in the Union territory’s history, according to officials. This multi-pronged strategy integrates stringent enforcement measures with active public participation and widespread awareness initiatives aimed at dismantling the entire drug trafficking and narco-terror ecosystem.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the campaign has resulted in the registration of 1,527 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Beyond the significant number of arrests, authorities have also confiscated 362 kilograms of narcotics, including 17 kilograms of heroin, and recovered 26,308 psychotropic tablets. The estimated value of these seized substances alone surpasses Rs 150 crore. In a further escalation of enforcement, 108 habitual drug offenders have been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, underscoring the administration’s commitment to isolating repeat offenders.
The operation has extended beyond contraband seizure to targeting the financial infrastructure supporting drug networks. Authorities have attached 147 immovable properties, valued at Rs 108.97 crore, and demolished 68 properties estimated at Rs 23.05 crore. The cumulative value of attached and demolished properties now exceeds Rs 132 crore. When combined with the value of seized narcotics, the total assets and contraband involved in this campaign amount to over Rs 280 crore, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to crippling the economic base of narco-terrorism. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the campaign has also initiated action against 128 chemists, leading to the suspension of licenses for 126 establishments, thereby disrupting the supply chain for pharmaceutical drugs often misused for illicit purposes.
In a bid to sever connections and impede movement, authorities have also taken decisive action against individuals involved in narcotics-related offenses by cancelling or suspending 731 driving licenses and 736 vehicle registrations. Recommendations have been made for the impounding of 178 passports, and 2,845 applications have been submitted for the cancellation of Aadhaar cards belonging to those implicated in drug offenses. This extensive administrative action aims to create significant hurdles for individuals attempting to engage in or facilitate drug trafficking.
The ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu-Kashmir Abhiyaan’ has placed a strong emphasis on public mobilization and awareness. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has personally led ‘padyatras’ (rallies) across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing an estimated participation of three to four lakh people. These events, particularly in Jammu and Srinagar, have seen the highest public turnout, reflecting a growing community engagement in the anti-drug movement. Officials describe the campaign as people-centric, designed to launch a dual assault on drug trafficking networks and narco-terrorism by targeting both the perpetrators and their financial lifelines. This approach, according to a senior official, has not only helped in destroying the drug trafficking and peddling ecosystem but has also disrupted terror financing channels within the Union territory.
The awareness component of the campaign has also achieved significant reach, with over 16.37 lakh awareness programs conducted across Jammu and Kashmir, impacting more than one crore individuals. The Tele-MANAS initiative, focused on mental health and counselling, has seen increased utilization, receiving approximately 5,000 calls seeking assistance for mental health issues and substance abuse. Lieutenant Governor Sinha has consistently reiterated the administration’s unwavering resolve to continue the campaign until every drug smuggler and narco-terror network is eradicated from the Union territory. He has emphasized the ongoing efforts to trace and dismantle hidden drug supply chains and to eliminate long-standing cartels. Issuing a stern warning, the Lieutenant Governor has equated narcotics smuggling to terrorism, stating that those involved will face the strictest legal action, describing drug abuse as a form of silent terrorism that will not be tolerated.
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.
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