Srinagar, June 20: The administration in north Kashmir’s frontier district is taking a firm stance against the rampant drug trade that has caused havoc in the area. In a recent crackdown, law enforcement officials seized a large amount of narcotics as well as an immovable property, demonstrating their commitment to combating the drug menace.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kupwara, Yougal Manhas said that so far 21 kgs of heroin and 10 kgs of charas were seized in the ensuing year. This year, they have also arrested five drug dealers under the stringent Public Safety Act and registered 56 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Furthermore, the district police office has seized three kanals of drug peddlers’ land.
“Efforts are also underway to rehabilitate those affected by drug addiction,” he said. According to the district police officer, 250 people have already been rehabilitated, with an additional 450 cases identified for further assistance.” This proactive approach to rehabilitation demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to not only reducing drug trafficking but also assisting people in recovering from addiction.
Last year, 33 individuals were booked under the Public Safety Act for their involvement in the drug trade. However, the recent intensified manhunt against drug peddlers has resulted in a noticeable decline in drug peddling activities.
SSP Yougal Manhas stressed that those engaged in drug trafficking have two options, either abandon the illicit trade or face imprisonment. He also highlighted that the drugs entering the region are intended to ruin the lives of Kashmiri youth.”
Similarly, in the Handwara Police district, 55 drug peddlers have been arrested in 37 FIRs. Furthermore, six chronic drug peddlers have been booked under the stringent Public Safety Act.
To address the drug menace in Handwara town, Superintendent of Police, Handwara, Sheem Nabi Qasba, told Rising Kashmir that they have organized eight de-addiction cum awareness camps and four seminars.
Giving details, SP Handwara said in the year 2021, as many as 36 cases were registered and 52 persons arrested.
In 2022: 52 cases were registered and 74 persons were arrested.
These events involved students, religious leaders, and respected individuals as speakers. Additionally, substance abusers have been identified, and collaborative efforts with the Health Department have been made to provide them with medical intervention.
The North district’s residents have applauded the police’s decisive action against drug peddlers. They expressed hope that strict measures will be maintained in the future to ensure their community’s safety and well-being. The public’s support for the ongoing crackdown reflects the critical need to address the drug crisis and protect vulnerable individuals, particularly young people, from becoming addicted.
As per a local resident, he said the administration’s unwavering determination to combat the drug trade in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is commendable. By seizing substantial quantities of narcotics, booking offenders under strict laws, and working towards rehabilitation, they are sending a clear message that drug peddling will not be tolerated.”
As the fight against drugs continues, it is hoped that these efforts will bring about a significant reduction in drug-related activities, safeguarding the future of the region’s youth.
Pertinent to mention here that last year (2022) in Kupwara, as many as 161 people, including some police officers, have been arrested in 85 cases, 33 of them were booked under the Public Safety Act.
Also, Charas weighing approximately 27 kilogrammes (an approximate value of 50 lakhs), heroin weighing approximately 20 kilogrammes with an international market value of 20 crore, brown sugar weighing approximately 8 kilogrammes with an international market value of 8 crore, codeine weighing approximately 450 bottles, and cash amounting to 11,825,000 were seized this year.”
