Anti-drug drives intensified
Contraband seized, peddlers arrested
Land & poppy fields destroyed
Awareness campaigns launched
Zero-tolerance policy enforced
Srinagar: In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace and promote a drug-free society, Jammu & Kashmir Police have intensified their operations across multiple districts under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. The efforts have yielded significant results, including the recovery of large quantities of contraband substances, arrests of several drug peddlers, and destruction of illegal cultivation sites and assets linked to narcotics cases.
Major Operations in South Kashmir
In Pulwama, a routine naka check at Khaigam by Police Post Sangerwani led to the interception of two suspicious individuals. During a search, police recovered approximately 636 grams of Ganja from their possession. Both suspects were taken into custody, and a case has been registered under FIR No. 70/2026 at Police Station Rajpora. The investigation is ongoing to determine further links and sources.
Similarly, in another operation, police from Police Station Litter, acting on credible intelligence, searched the residence of Mohd. Abass Thoker of Audoora in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. The search uncovered 212 grams of charas-like powder, leading to the registration of FIR No. 50/2026. Further investigations are underway to trace the network involved in its distribution.
In a separate operation in Anantnag, police at Kokernag intercepted a drug peddler during naka checking at Dodhkol Adhal Vailoo. The suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended. The search revealed approximately 4.4 kilograms of charas, and a case under FIR No. 36/2026 has been registered. Authorities are now probing the source of the contraband and the network behind the supply chain.
Crackdown on Illegal Assets and Cultivation
Alongside drug seizures, authorities in Anantnag and Shopian have intensified efforts to dismantle illegal assets linked to narcotics. In Anantnag, illegal roadside eateries constructed on state land along NH-44 at Sangam were demolished. These included establishments like “Kashmir Restaurant,” “Taj Restaurant,” and “MIR Restaurant,” all reportedly involved in NDPS-related FIRs. Similar operations in Shopian targeted illegal plantations of poplar and cherry trees, and unauthorized shops on state land linked to NDPS cases. These actions were carried out with strict adherence to legal procedures, in coordination with civil and revenue authorities, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal land and property activities connected to drug trafficking.
Continued Enforcement and Awareness Drives
In Pulwama, coordinated search operations and Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) targeted suspected narcotics locations, including Rajpora, Rahmoo, and Lelhar. The police also sealed a drug store in Pulwama town for violations related to controlled substances. Alongside enforcement, awareness programs were organized at educational institutions and community centers, including Degree College Rajpora and GMS Qazigund Kakapora, stressing the dangers of drug abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
In Shopian and Baramulla, police conducted targeted CASO operations at known NDPS hotspots, dismantling local networks and disrupting supply chains. In Baramulla, joint inspections with health authorities at Palhalan and surprise checks at Bus Stand Kreeri aimed to prevent illegal activities, including drug trafficking and misuse of scheduled drugs.
Anti-Drug Campaigns and Community Engagement
Police also organized mass awareness activities across districts, including rallies, awareness programs at schools, and community events. Notably, in Ganderbal, a Mega Shikara Rally at Manasbal, organized with the Manasbal Development Authority, drew participation from officials and students, emphasizing the importance of a drug-free society. Similar initiatives in Handwara involved interactive sessions with students to highlight the physical, psychological, and social repercussions of drug abuse.
Destruction of Illicit Poppy Cultivation
A significant aspect of the ongoing campaign involved the destruction of illicit poppy cultivation. In Sopore, police, in coordination with the excise and agriculture departments, detected and destroyed illegal opium poppy fields at Magraypora, registering FIR No. 102/2026. In Anantnag, poppy fields spread over approximately 30 marlas in Liver Srigufwara were destroyed, with FIRs registered against involved individuals. In Baramulla, cultivation on land belonging to local residents was also eradicated, with FIRs registered and samples seized for evidence.
Major Arrests and Seizures of Contraband
In Kulgam, police arrested five drug peddlers, recovering substantial quantities of contraband substances. Waseem Ahmad Bhat was caught with 20 grams of heroin, while Ubaid Rashid Dar was found with 26 grams. Other suspects, including Shameem Ahmad Kalas, Zahid Ahmad Wani, and Tariq Ahmad Ganie, were apprehended with 580 grams of Charas powder, 36 grams of Charas, and 20 grams of Charas along with 1,354 grams of Cannabis, respectively. All cases have been registered, and investigations are ongoing to unravel the entire narcotics network.
Road Safety and Public Cooperation
In Kulgam, police also conducted rapid urine tests of drivers on the National Highway to curb drug-impaired driving, emphasizing road safety. The SSP of Kulgam, Shri Anayat Ali Chowdhary, appealed to the public, especially transporters and drivers, to cooperate with law enforcement and report any drug-related activities.
J&K Police’s sustained efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan reflect their unwavering commitment to eliminating the drug menace. Through rigorous enforcement, destruction of illegal assets, community outreach, and awareness campaigns, authorities aim to create a safer, healthier society. The public is urged to remain vigilant and actively participate in the collective mission to make Jammu & Kashmir drug-free.