Anantnag, Nov 1 (KNS): In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Anantnag Police registered 525 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 602 alleged drug peddlers during the first ten months of 2026, besides attaching properties worth approximately Rs 63 crore linked to drug-related activities.
According to official figures released by Anantnag Police, more than 597 kilograms of contraband substances were seized during operations conducted across the district between January and October this year, while cash amounting to Rs 27.64 lakh was recovered from alleged drug peddlers.
Police said the enforcement campaign also targeted assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of narcotics trafficking, resulting in the attachment of properties worth around Rs 63 crore in 43 cases under relevant legal provisions.
In addition, 20 properties valued at approximately Rs 20 crore, allegedly linked to illegal narcotics activities, were demolished during the period.
The figures indicate that the crackdown extended beyond arrests and seizures, with police increasingly focusing on dismantling the financial and logistical networks supporting the narcotics trade.
Police said approximately 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances were destroyed following due legal procedures, while illegal cultivation of narcotic crops spread over 305 marlas of land was also destroyed.
As part of action against encroachments allegedly carried out by drug peddlers, more than 271 marlas of government land was retrieved during the ten-month period.
The police report also revealed the alleged involvement of government employees in narcotics-related offences.
Eight government employees were found involved in drug-related cases, following which legal action was initiated against them, police said.
In another significant development, 13 women allegedly involved in illegal cultivation of narcotic crops were arrested. Police also reported action against female drug peddlers, although their exact number was not specified.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Under preventive detention measures, 17 alleged drug peddlers were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.
Police also reported the cancellation of 28 driving licences and 22 vehicle registration certificates in connection with narcotics-related offences.
To curb the movement and supply of drugs, Anantnag Police conducted 300 narcotics-focused Cordon and Search Operations (Narco-CASOs) at different locations across the district.
The operations were aimed at identifying suspected trafficking networks, intercepting the movement of contraband and strengthening surveillance in areas vulnerable to narcotics-related activities.
The crackdown also extended to pharmaceutical establishments, with police and concerned departments jointly inspecting 23 medical shops.
Violations were detected at all 23 establishments inspected, following which legal action was initiated under the applicable provisions.
Alongside enforcement operations, police organised specialised training programmes for 220 investigating officers handling NDPS cases at the District Police Office, Anantnag.
The training focused on legal procedures, investigation techniques and evidence handling to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of narcotics-related offences.
Police said the sustained campaign was aimed at disrupting drug supply chains, identifying individuals involved in trafficking and preventing the spread of substance abuse, particularly among young people.
Reiterating its commitment to combating the drug menace, Anantnag Police appealed to the public to share information about suspected drug trafficking and illegal narcotics activities.
Police said public cooperation, particularly from young people, remained essential to identifying drug networks and protecting communities from the consequences of substance abuse. (KNS)