Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a robust anti-drug campaign that has led to the arrest of over 700 individuals and the seizure or attachment of assets valued at approximately Rs 45 crore within the first two months of its operation. The intensive crackdown, initiated in May by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has seen significant recoveries of narcotics and the dismantling of illicit crop cultivation across the Jammu Division.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the operation has resulted in the registration of 598 First Information Reports (FIRs) and the apprehension of 701 drug smugglers. Authorities have also invoked the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, issuing 24 detention orders against major traffickers. The seized contraband includes over 14 kilograms of heroin, a substantial 49 kilograms of ganja, 3.712 kilograms of charas, and a considerable 204.5 kilograms of poppy straw, underscoring the scale of the drug trade being targeted.
Beyond the direct seizure of drugs, the campaign has also focused on eradicating the sources of illicit substances. This has involved the destruction of poppy plants cultivated over 52 marlas of land, along with 25.43 kilograms of poppy straw. Furthermore, wild cannabis grown over 44 kanals, 22,150 units of lahan (an intermediate product in illicit liquor manufacturing), and 476 litres of illicit liquor have also been destroyed, demonstrating a multi-pronged approach to combat drug proliferation.
The Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, reviewed the progress of the ongoing 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’. Officials reported that strong deterrent measures have been implemented against drug traffickers. These measures include the demolition of 62 immovable properties estimated to be worth Rs 19.30 crore. Additionally, 21 properties valued at Rs 24.868 crore, along with movable assets amounting to Rs 1.69 crore, have been seized or attached. The authorities have also taken administrative actions to curb drug trafficking, recommending the suspension of 180 passports and suspending 101 driving licences while cancelling 81 others. The Transport Department has also suspended 243 vehicle registration certificates and cancelled 94 across various districts within the Jammu Division, disrupting the logistical networks used by traffickers.
The campaign has been complemented by extensive awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a drug-free society. Officials reported the successful organization of 1,32,232 programmes at the tehsil level, 1,69,026 at the panchayat level, and a staggering 38,03,405 at the village level. These widespread awareness drives have seen participation from all strata of society, effectively transforming the campaign into a mass movement against drug abuse. To further strengthen community engagement and build a grassroots network of vigilance and support, 4,779 panchayat mahila samitis have been constituted, and 947 youth clubs have been activated. Awareness drives involving religious leaders, youth groups, women’s committees, and religious institutions have been conducted with active administrative backing. These concerted efforts have yielded positive results, with hundreds of calls received seeking counselling and assistance for individuals struggling with drug abuse.
The comprehensive strategy employed in the Jammu Division combines stringent enforcement actions with large-scale administrative and awareness initiatives designed to dismantle narcotics networks effectively. Officials highlighted that out of 2,293 identified drug users, 884 have been identified for rehabilitation. Of these, a significant 547 individuals have successfully undergone rehabilitation, and 254 have been linked with self-employment schemes, providing them with opportunities for a fresh start and reducing the likelihood of relapse. Ramesh Kumar emphasized the critical need to bolster rehabilitation mechanisms, expand the reach of counselling services, and enhance the accessibility of helplines to support those affected by drug abuse.
The Divisional Commissioner further stressed that victims of drug abuse should be seamlessly connected with livelihood opportunities through targeted employment programmes. He also advocated for encouraging children to participate actively in sports activities as a proactive measure to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles. The Jammu Divisional Commissioner also called for the strengthening of de-addiction centres through consistent follow-up with rehabilitated youths, ensuring sustained recovery and integration back into society. He directed district administrations to maintain close monitoring of existing drug hotspots and remain vigilant for any emerging areas of concern. Emphasizing a data-driven approach, he further underscored the importance of hotspot management to ensure a sustained reduction in drug abuse and trafficking across the entire Jammu Division, reinforcing the commitment to creating a drug-free region.
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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