Associated News Bureau

Srinagar Intensifies Anti-Drug Crackdown; 117 Arrested, Illegal Assets Worth Rs 40 Crore Attached

Srinagar, May 25: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Monday chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee to review the progress and impact of the ongoing 100-day anti-drug campaign being carried out across the district. Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Dr. Sundeep Chakravarthy, was also present during the meeting, which was attended by senior officers from the Police, Excise, Drug Control Organisation, Transport Department, Revenue Department, Youth Services and Sports, and other concerned agencies. The meeting reviewed enforcement measures, preventive interventions and the district’s overall anti-drug strategy under the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan”. Officials informed the meeting that intensified enforcement operations and coordinated action against drug peddling networks have yielded significant results across Srinagar district. During the ongoing campaign, 84 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act and 117 persons arrested in connection with narcotics-related offences. The committee was further informed that 100 driving licences and 46 vehicle registration certificates linked to NDPS-related violations have been suspended as part of strict enforcement measures aimed at dismantling drug networks and curbing narcotics-related activities. Authorities also reported that licences of 17 chemists were suspended for violations related to drug regulations and unauthorised handling of controlled substances. Red entries have additionally been recorded in revenue records against identified drug peddlers to strengthen legal and administrative action against repeat offenders. As part of the intensified crackdown, illegal properties worth nearly Rs 40 crore linked to drug traffickers have been attached or demolished in Srinagar. The Deputy Commissioner and SSP appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments and agencies involved in the campaign and stressed the need to sustain the momentum through continued enforcement, public participation and preventive outreach initiatives. Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to further strengthen inter-departmental coordination and intensify action against drug peddlers and trafficking networks to ensure a safer and drug-free environment in the district. He also emphasised the importance of combining strict law enforcement with awareness generation, counselling and rehabilitation initiatives, particularly for youth affected by substance abuse. The SSP Srinagar reiterated the commitment of Police, in coordination with civil authorities, towards sustained action against narcotics-related activities and urged the public to actively support efforts by reporting drug-related offences. The meeting also reviewed measures for intensified surveillance of identified hotspots and vulnerable areas, strict monitoring of repeat offenders, regulation of pharmaceutical outlets and implementation of awareness programmes across the district. Discussions were also held on strengthening counselling support and rehabilitation mechanisms to ensure a coordinated and long-term response to the growing drug menace.