‘Narco Palaces’ To Fall: LG Sinha

Shafat Malik
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03 May 2026

Vows crackdown on drug money properties • Those who were nothing now own big houses • Assets from narcotics trade identified, attached • Passports, licences, bank accounts seized • Around 60 lakh people joined campaign

Srinagar, May 02: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the administration is acting against "narco palaces" – properties built from proceeds of drug trafficking – and extending enforcement beyond registration of cases to include financial, administrative, and legal measures.

Addressing a media interaction at Lok Bhavan, Sinha said assets created through drug peddling are being identified and attached, and action is being taken against all linked services. "Those who were nothing years ago have built big houses from the drug trade; we are identifying and acting against such assets," he said.

The LG made it clear that enforcement is not limited to FIRs under the NDPS Act, adding that passports, driving licences, and bank accounts are also being cancelled. Lookout notices are being issued against those evading arrest, while properties linked to drug trafficking are being attached.

Inspections of pharmacies are being carried out to check the sale of drugs used for substance abuse, he said, adding that shops violating norms are being closed permanently and will not reopen once sealed. Action is also being taken against drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres that do not meet prescribed standards. "Centres without required facilities are under scrutiny and are being shut," he added.

Outlining the framework, Sinha said the campaign is based on three components: supply reduction, awareness at the community level, and treatment and rehabilitation of those affected. Health institutions across the Union Territory have been directed to keep facilities ready, including OPD and IPD services and availability of beds.

A drug rehabilitation policy is in its final stage and will be notified, he said, adding that a plan is being prepared to track individuals undergoing treatment for up to three years after release.

The Lieutenant Governor said deterrent measures have been introduced through a standard operating procedure. He said persons involved in drug-related activities are being registered, their driving licences suspended, vehicle registrations terminated, passports recommended for cancellation, and bank accounts frozen, with Aadhaar-linked verification also being carried out.

"If an accused absconds, a lookout notice is issued, and properties are attached under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Incentives are being provided to those who share information related to drug trafficking, in accordance with seizure-linked provisions," he added.

The LG said the campaign in Jammu and Kashmir was launched on April 11 at M.A. Stadium in Jammu and has since covered eight districts of the Jammu division. Awareness programmes are being conducted across districts, with more than 50 to 60 lakh people having participated so far.

"This has become a movement," Sinha said, adding that a public portal has been created to receive suggestions and information, and people are coming forward to report cases within their communities.

A public awareness programme will be held on Sunday at 9:30 PM at the Football Stadium in Srinagar, followed by a march towards Lal Chowk, he said, appealing to the public and media to support the campaign. "When law enforcement and society act together, we can move forward," he added.