Will rehabilitate youth drawn into drug menace: SSP Anantnag
SRINAGAR [Raouf Dar] (KIMS) — In a determined and comprehensive drive against drug trafficking and other illicit activities, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have achieved a remarkable milestone in their fight against the drug menace in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district over the last eleven months.
The Anantnag Police registered 123 cases under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 185 individuals involved in drug-related offenses. Among these, charge sheets were filed in 102 cases, and 126 accused were formally charge-sheeted. Additionally, 24 individuals were detained under the stringent provisions of the PIT NDPS Act, underscoring the police’s zero-tolerance approach.
The enforcement measures also led to the recovery of approximately 900 kilograms of contraband substances, including poppy straw, 1,350 bottles of intoxicant syrups, and 300 strips of intoxicant tablets. These recoveries signify the scale of the ongoing battle against illegal drugs in the district.
In addition to arrests, the police targeted the financial networks of drug peddlers. Properties worth ₹26.40 crores, including 17 residential houses, 9 shops, and 10 vehicles, were attached in 26 cases across the district. Cash amounting to ₹10,71,755 was seized, while 275 bank accounts holding ₹1.94 crores were frozen, cutting off critical financial lifelines for drug-related activities.
The crackdown extended to the pharmaceutical sector, where licenses of 13 medical shops were permanently canceled in different areas of Anantnag. Temporary suspensions were imposed on 30 medical shops, and action was initiated against one individual for violations related to drug distribution and sales.
The police also took decisive steps against the cultivation of illicit crops. This year, they destroyed 292 kanals of poppy and cannabis cultivation, comprising 250 kanals of poppy and 42 kanals of cannabis. Such efforts are aimed at eliminating the root causes of drug supply in the district.
The crackdown wasn’t limited to narcotics. The police also seized 70,500 bottles of alcohol and registered 18 cases under the Excise Act across the district, further strengthening their fight against substance abuse.
Speaking exclusively to KIMS, SSP Anantnag, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, highlighted the police’s commitment to combating drug-related issues in the district: “We are taking strong and decisive action against drug peddlers, and this will continue without compromise. As you may already know, we have conducted numerous arrests in recent times and have also seized several properties connected to drug-related activities. This strict enforcement will remain ongoing to ensure a safer society.”
“Our mission is to rehabilitate the youth who have fallen victim to drugs or are at risk of being drawn into this menace. We aim to provide them with the necessary support and resources to overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and transition towards a healthy, productive, and fulfilling future,” he said.
He added: “To safeguard people, particularly the youth, from falling victim to the drug menace, we are actively running various awareness and engagement programs. These include initiatives like cricket tournaments and other constructive activities aimed at keeping them positively engaged and away from harmful influences.”
Dr. Chakravarthy expressed optimism about public support in this mission, stating: “We are confident that the public will stand with us wholeheartedly in our mission to combat the drug menace. Together, we can save countless lives, especially those of our youth, and ensure a brighter, drug-free future for generations to come.” — (KIMS)