25 peddlers arrested during January, say Sopore and Baramulla Police
Baramulla, Jan 31: In an endeavor to nip the menace of substance abuse in the bud, Baramulla and Sopore Police have arrested 25 drug peddlers during January, while the accused have been booked under various sections of the concerned law. An official said that Baramulla Police have tightened a noose around the drug peddlers, to carry out the operation of addressing drug menace in the district.
The action against drug peddlers had started around two years ago in the district.
As per the official figures, seven drug peddlers were arrested in the first week of January, while six peddlers were arrested by Baramulla Police between January 12 and 16. Also, four drug peddlers were arrested between January 21 and 27. Similarly, Sopore Police have arrested eight drug peddlers in January.
An official said the police mostly receive inputs about the movement of drug peddlers from the outskirts of Baramulla district, following which the checkpoints are accordingly placed at the suspected spots to apprehend the peddlers.
"Most of the time, we receive such inputs from Uri, Pattan, Tangmarag and Magam. Following our sustained operation all out campaign, the drug peddlers do not dare to move freely but still our campaign continues to make Baramulla district drug free," the official said.
In 2024, Baramulla Police registered 145 NDPS cases and arrested 202 persons as well. An official said that besides launching a massive crackdown against the drug peddling, reports were still received from different nooks and corners about the activities of some drug peddlers.
"So our efforts will continue to reach every corner of the district so that people will get rid of this menace," the official said.
An official said the Sopore Police, as part of its campaign to eradicate the menace of substance abuse from the society, remains active to apprehend the drug peddlers.
"Besides setting up checkpoints, we also organise awareness camps wherein youth are sensitised about the ill effects of drug addiction,” he added.
A senior Police official said that a drug peddler is intercepted almost every day or on alternate days during checkpoints set up at specific locations. As already reported, in the last two years, Baramulla Police received massive support from the general public in eradicating substance abuse from the district.
"We frequently receive inputs from the public as and when they notice any movement of drug peddlers. With collective support of the public, we have been able to identify the drug peddlers and arrest them as well," the official said.