Anti-drug operation in 2023 | Baramulla police seize Rs 34 crore contraband, arrest 464

Baramulla, Jan 1: As part of its mission for a drug free society, the Baramulla police throughout the year in 2023, exhibited firm commitment in the war against drugs.

The year witnessed a series of strategic operations, legal proceedings, and community engagement initiatives that collectively showcased the police force's dedication to eradicating the drug menace.

During the year-long operation, the Baramulla Police filed a total of 264 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, resulting in the arrest of 464 persons involved in drug smuggling and peddling. And during the same year, 75 hard-core drug paddlers were booked under the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking (PIT) NDPS Act and the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The Baramulla police, while demonstrating their commitment to dismantling the infrastructure of drug trade, attached properties worth Rs 3 crore, including 3 houses, 3 vehicles, and cash amounting to Rs 1.2 crore, belonging to drug smugglers.

While striking a huge blow to the illicit drug market, the Baramulla Police seized contraband worth a staggering Rs 34 crores, and meticulously destroyed the confiscated contraband under the provisions of section 25A of the NDPS Act.

This strategic move not only disrupted the financial roots of drug trafficking but also sent a powerful message that illicit gains would not go unchecked.

The success of Operation Drug-Free Baramulla extended beyond law enforcement, as the police actively engaged with the community to garner support in the battle against drugs.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of religious leaders and civil society in shaping public opinion, the Baramulla Police initiated around 61 innovative programmes. These included roping in religious leaders for collaborative efforts and organising seminars aimed at educating the community on the perils of drug abuse.

During these initiatives, SSP Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure, highlighted the importance of collective efforts, emphasising that a drug-free society required the active involvement of all stakeholders. The involvement of religious leaders, preachers, imams, and youth in these awareness programmes further strengthened the community's resolve against the drug menace.

Notable figures from the society, including the president of Auqaf-i-Islami Baramulla, and those associated with Transporters Association, Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Traders Federation Baramulla, commended the police force's efforts. They acknowledged the commitment of the Baramulla Police, especially in seizing the properties of narcotic dealers, sending a powerful message that such elements would face severe consequences.

Religious preachers, addressing gatherings, pledged their support to the police in spreading the anti-drug campaign message. They assured authorities that they would actively monitor and report any elements that threatened to undermine the well-being of the new generation.

Bashir Ahmad, a local resident while acknowledging the police efforts said that the war against the drug menace cannot be concluded without the involvement of the society members. He said if “we want to save our future generation from the catastrophe, we need to play our role as a responsible citizen.”

“The law enforcement agencies are doing their best. If the society members will continue their support to the police, we will definitely eradicate drug menace from the society,” said Bashir Ahmad.