SRINAGAR: In a series of decisive actions aimed at eradicating narcotics and illegal poppy cultivation, Jammu and Kashmir Police has launched a comprehensive campaign across the region, registering multiple cases, destroying illicit crops, seizing contraband, and intensifying public awareness efforts. These measures are part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan and a broader initiative to combat the drug menace and promote a healthier, drug-free society.
On May 20, police continued its relentless drive against narcotics by destroying illicit poppy cultivation in Anantnag and Baramulla districts. In Anantnag, Police Post Verinag carried out the destruction of illegal poppy crops at village Batagund, Verinag, in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. The operation was conducted strictly following legal procedures, with the crop being destroyed on the spot. A case, FIR No. 76/2026, under relevant sections of law, was registered at Police Station Dooru, and investigations are ongoing.
In Baramulla, police, acting on reliable intelligence, conducted a joint operation with officials from the Excise and Agriculture Departments in the area of Pandithpora Bala, Tangmarg. The team identified and destroyed poppy cultivation spread over agricultural land owned by Abdul Ahad Malik. Samples of the poppy plants were seized and sealed for legal and forensic purposes, ensuring proper documentation and further investigation.
Similarly, in Kunzer’s village Pariswani, police destroyed illicit poppy plants on land owned by Ab Ahad Reshi. The operation was based on preliminary information that revealed illegal cultivation. FIR No. 62/2026 was registered under the NDPS Act, and the illegal crop was destroyed in the presence of magistrates and officials from multiple departments, adhering to legal protocols.
In Handwara, police took stringent administrative actions by canceling 14 driving licenses and 2 vehicle registration certificates of individuals involved in narcotics cases. This move under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan underscores the zero-tolerance policy of the authorities against drug trafficking and substance abuse. Police emphasized that such measures serve as a deterrent and are part of a broader strategy to build a drug-free society.
The ongoing anti-drug operations yielded significant arrests and recoveries. Police arrested five drug peddlers, including a wanted heroin supplier, across Anantnag, Baramulla, and Ganderbal districts. In Anantnag’s Dialgam area, police intercepted a suspicious individual at Chechripora Bypass Crossing. The person, identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar, was caught attempting to flee, and during search, police recovered heroin-like substances from his possession.
In Baramulla, a police team intercepted a suspect at Zero Morh Daragutlian, recovering charas-like sticks wrapped in corn husk. The accused, Faisal Ahmed Khan, was arrested, and contraband was seized. In Ganderbal, police intercepted a Scorpio vehicle at Dumkadal Chowk with three occupants. The vehicle was searched, and heroin-like substances were recovered from the accused, Jahingir Ahmad Jan, Junaid Zahoor Bhat, and Jahangir Ahmad Bhat. The vehicle was also seized, and cases have been registered for further investigation.
Complementing enforcement efforts, police in Handwara and Awantipora launched extensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating youth and the community about the dangers of drug abuse. In Handwara, police organized public rallies, school programs, and hotspot monitoring to sensitize students, parents, teachers, and civil society members. The police appealed to the public to share information about drug peddling and illegal activities, emphasizing community participation in the fight against narcotics.
In Awantipora, awareness programmes were conducted at Government Middle School Sharshalli and Islamia Hamdaniya High School Tral. These sessions aimed to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles. Simultaneously, police conducted raids at hotspots like Hariparigam and Dogripora to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Under the same drive, police in Handwara achieved another significant breakthrough by destroying illegal poppy cultivation at MangwalporaKralgund. FIR No. 31/2026 was registered against Reyaz Ahmad Wani for indulging in poppy straw cultivation. The operation was conducted in coordination with revenue and excise officials, reflecting the collaborative approach to tackling the drug menace. The illegally cultivated crop was destroyed after completing all legal formalities, reaffirming police’s resolve to dismantle every link in narcotics supply chains.
These actions demonstrate the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s unwavering commitment to combating narcotics through enforcement, legal action, and community outreach. Police officials have reiterated their resolve to continue these efforts until the menace is eradicated, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation. Citizens are urged to share any information related to drug peddling or illegal cultivation, which plays a vital role in strengthening enforcement and protecting the youth from falling into drug addiction.