Syed Ajaz

Awantipura, Dec 29 (KNS): Launching a sustained push against drug peddlers in the area, Awantipura Police arrested 111 drug peddlers in this year and slapped PSA against 11 drug peddlers.

Talking to KNS, SSP Awantipura Police Distrct Tahir Saleem said, "We arrested 111drug peddlers in this year, 56 FIRs were lodged against 56 persons, while 11 peddlers were placed under Public Safety Act (PSA) and sent to jail.

Saying that they launched a sustained campaign against the culprits dealing with the banned substances, Tahir Saleem said Bang and poppy cultivation was destroyed on 300 kanals of land particularly in its infamous area of cultivation like Reshipora, Renzipora and Chersoo areas."

According to official details. In 2014,25 persons were arrested, In 2015,16 cases Registered and 28persons, arrested, 2 PSA, In 2016,25 Cases were registered 43 arrested and 4 slapped with PSA, In 2017 , 13 cases were registered and 16 were arrested, In 2018,14 cases registered, 17 arrests, In 2019,12 cases were registered and 17 arrested ,3 were slapped with PSA and in 2020 56 cases were registered, 111 were arrested and 11 PSA.
DySP Awantipura Ajaz Ahmed Choudhury who has shot to fame in the area for going tough against drug mafia gives credit to the locals of the area who he said have helped them in eradicating the menace from the area.

Locals of the area hailed this initiative of Police and said that for the first time they are witnessing a sustained and fruitful campaign against the kingpins of the drug trade who were left untouched till date.

Residents of Awantipura told KNS that drug peddlers used to roam freely in the area but sustained action by police 2020 has given them nightmares to the peddlers.

Meanwhile police organised the co-curricular activities in the area to keep the youth away from drug menace.(KNS)