SSP Dr Chakravarthy’s strategic push tightens noose on drug network
Abid Bashir
Srinagar, May 12: In a massive offensive against narcotics under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police have registered 101 drug-related cases and arrested 143 accused persons within a month, while attaching properties and assets worth Rs 21.544 crore in one of the biggest anti-drug crackdowns in the district in recent years.
As per the official details available with the Rising Kashmir, the month-long report card of district Police Srinagar comes amid Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s 100-day “War Against Drugs” campaign launched on April 13, aimed at dismantling narcotics networks and protecting Kashmir’s youth from substance abuse. The campaign also introduced stringent measures against drug peddlers, including suspension of driving licences, impounding of passports, deactivation of Aadhaar cards and demolition of illegally acquired properties.
The anti-drug drive is being spearheaded under the leadership of SSP Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, who has directed officers across the district to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against narcotics trafficking while simultaneously strengthening public participation and awareness initiatives.
According to official figures, Srinagar Police recovered 1.299 kilograms of heroin, 75.93 grams of brown sugar, 5.540 kilograms of charas, 4.316 kilograms of cannabis, 1.900 kilograms of poppy straw, 0.200 kilograms of bhang and 24.846 kilograms of ganja during raids and naka operations carried out across the city.
Police also seized 24 bottles of psychotropic syrup/codeine Corex and recovered 12,642 psychotropic tablets and capsules during the crackdown. Apart from narcotics recovery, authorities seized Rs 4,13,000 cash believed to be proceeds of the illegal drug trade and froze 42 bank accounts containing Rs 30,08,442.87.
The police attached four movable and eleven immovable properties linked to drug peddlers, with the total valuation of attached assets reaching Rs 21.544 crore.
As part of the intensified enforcement strategy, Srinagar Police seized 35 vehicles allegedly used in narcotics smuggling and booked eight notorious drug peddlers under the PIT-NDPS Act to prevent them from continuing illicit activities.
Police also focused heavily on areas around educational institutions to shield students and young people from the drug menace. During the month, eight FIRs were registered near schools and colleges, leading to the arrest of 14 persons involved in drug peddling.
To strengthen public awareness and community participation, Srinagar Police conducted 210 awareness programmes across the district, attended by 27,840 participants under the “Save Youth” initiative. In line with the tough measures announced by LG Sinha, authorities suspended or blacklisted 84 driving licences linked to drug offenders, while six Aadhaar cards were deactivated or flagged. One passport was also impounded or suspended during the drive.
Police further destroyed illegal cultivation of opium, poppy and bhang spread over 25.03 kanals of land in different parts of Srinagar district. In another major action under the Anti Drug Enforcement campaign, three properties worth Rs 3.55 crore were demolished for allegedly being linked to proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking.
The report also revealed that Srinagar Police checked 703 druggists and chemist shops across the district, out of which 15 shops were seized for alleged violations and suspicious sale of psychotropic substances.
Officials said District Police Srinagar remains firmly committed to building a drug-free Kashmir through strict law enforcement, public cooperation and relentless action against narcotics networks. Police have urged citizens to share information related to drug peddling through its anti-drug helpline 9596770550 or via email at eposrinagar@JKpolice.gov.in