Significant milestone achieved in fight against drugs in Baramulla: Police

Baramulla : The persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies have resulted in a remarkable reduction in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) cases in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.

They said that through comprehensive narco-terrorism operations and the dismantling of drug modules, the region has made substantial progress towards becoming drug-free.

In the ongoing year, the Baramulla Police have taken swift and decisive actions against drug peddlers, leading to the arrest of 403 individuals involved in the narcotics trade, a senior police official told the news agency.

He said 62 hardcore drug peddlers have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PIT NDPS PSA) and are currently detained in various jails. The police have also confiscated properties worth Rs 2.1 crores, including houses, vehicles, and cash amounting to Rs. 1.2 crores, associated with illicit drug activities, he added.

J&K Police Chief Dilbag Singh during a recent visit to Sopore reaffirmed the commitment to eradicate drug smuggling from the region. “After terrorism, the next challenge is drug smuggling. We are dedicated to making Jammu and Kashmir a drug-free place,” he said.

The commendable work of the police force has been evident as the number of registered NDPS cases dropped significantly in recent months, a police official told. He said the authorities reported 231 cases filed under the NDPS Act, which reflects a positive trend. “The cases increased earlier in the year, but the trend reversed from July onwards, indicating the effectiveness of ongoing operations,” he added.

The official attributed the success in combating the drug menace to a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, civil societies, and religious institutions. He said Baramulla Police have been conducting extensive anti-drug awareness campaigns, and emphasised the vital role of these stakeholders in eradicating drug addiction within society.

Vivek Gupta, DIG North Kashmir, during an anti-drug awareness conference for religious leaders and preachers recently, emphasised the importance of collective action. “Religious heads are not only respected figures but also our moral compass, guiding us with unwavering devotion along the righteous path of our faith,” he said during the conference.

Baramulla Police remain committed to ensuring a drug-free society and will continue to seize both movable and immovable properties used for illicit drug trafficking within the district, the police official said—(KNO)