Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Feb 05 (KNS): Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain instruct cops to implement stringent measures to deal with the drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
News agency KNS reported that Senior police officials, including Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Station House Officers (SHOs), are tasked with executing heightened surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and community engagement to break the backbone of the drug trade.
After the directions from Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has intensified its crackdown on the drug mafia.
Through coordinated efforts and strategic maneuvers, Jammu and Kashmir Police has apprehended numerous individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
The region has witnessed a notable surge in documented cases, arrests of drug peddlers, and the dismantling of narco-terrorism modules.
Since assuming the role of Director General of Police, RR Swain has spearheaded an unwavering campaign against drug peddling, achieving commendable success in the ongoing struggle against this pervasive menace.
Swain's strategic guidance has led to a substantial decrease in drug peddling cases, resulting in a tangible reduction in drug abuse at the grassroots level.
Under RR Swain’s leadership, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has undertaken concerted efforts with widespread support from citizens, reflecting a synchronized endeavor between the police and the government, led by the Manoj Sinha administration, to comprehensively combat the drug menace in the region.
In a proactive move, the police has announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to the detection of cross-border tunnels used by anti-national elements for transshipping terrorists, weapons, and contraband substances.
This initiative underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the police to safeguard national security on multiple fronts.
KNS further reported that to counter the escalating drug menace, police officials, including Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Station House Officers (SHOs), have implemented stringent measures against drug-related activities. The authorities are resolute in breaking the backbone of the drug trade in the region, employing a multi-tiered approach that includes intelligence-driven operations and community engagement.
The recent upswing in arrests and drug seizures underscores the unwavering commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Police to establish a drug-free environment.
Authorities are taking stringent measures to seize properties linked to drug-related crimes, disrupting the financial networks that support the illegal drug trade.
Communities and their leaders have praised the intensified efforts, expressing optimism that these actions will serve as a deterrent and contribute to the overall well-being of society.
The police department actively encourages citizens to participate by providing information to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the drug trade.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, DGP Swain emphasized that a significant portion of illicit drugs infiltrating the region originates from across borders, with direct ties to terrorism and its financial sustenance. Pledging an unparalleled escalation in the fight against drugs, he committed to taking strict actions against narcotics dealers, categorizing and initiating specific measures against these criminal elements.
In a compassionate acknowledgement of the victims ensnared in this heinous offense, DGP Swain assured support for effective combat against the narcotics issue.
He appealed for cooperation and support from parents, families, and the media fraternity in this crucial societal endeavor.
Some observers characterize the situation as "narco-terrorism," shedding light on the crucial role played by border villages in Kashmir in this illicit drug trade.
High-ranking police officials have declared the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy against drug dealers and traffickers, emphasizing the drug menace as a significant threat to the socio-economic structure.
Jammu and Kashmir had secured the second position in the nation for its exceptional performance in an anti-drug campaign, earning recognition and honor from the Home Minister.
In the year 2022 alone, the Jammu & Kashmir Police recorded 1,021 cases and apprehended 1,700 drug peddlers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985.
Figures from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment starkly reveal the concerning reality of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
The estimate suggests that nearly 10 lakh people in the region are engaged in the consumption of various types of drugs. This alarming statistic highlights the urgency and importance of the ongoing multifaceted efforts to comprehensively address the drug menace.(KNS)