Budgam, Handwara lead anti-drug campaigns in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 23: Budgam district of central Kashmir and Handwara in north Kashmir have emerged as a stronghold in the fight against the drug menace, showcasing significant progress in its anti-drug operations this year and police have intensified their efforts to curb it.

Budgam

According to data accessed by Greater Kashmir, Police in Bugdam registered 55 cases and arrested 133 individuals involved in drug peddling. The Police say that they were committed to curbing the scourge of narcotics in Budgam.

The scale of seizures reflects the gravity of the problem and the determination of authorities to address it. The contraband confiscated during various operations included chars 9 kg, chars powder 35 kg, poppy straw 96 kg, heroin 11 grams, 1249 SposmoProxyvon tablets, 74 codeine phosphate bottles, cannabis powder 10 kg, and Fukki 650 gm. Police said that the estimated total market value of the seized drugs stands at an alarming Rs 70,40,953, underscoring the financial stakes involved in the illegal drug trade. To dismantle the financial networks fueling the drug trade, Police have frozen eight bank accounts linked to drug peddlers.

Furthermore, assets worth Rs 1,28,15,930 have been attached, including three residential houses, 16 marlas of land, and three vehicles used in the drug trade.

“These measures aim to weaken the economic base of those involved in the drug trade and send a strong message about the district’s zero-tolerance policy,” a senior Police officer from Budgam said.

HANDWARA

In a concerted effort to combat the drug menace, Police in Handwara registered 29 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2024, leading to the arrest of 61 individuals involved in drug peddling, official data reveal.

Of the 29 registered cases, 16 have been challaned, implicating 41 drug peddlers.

The year’s anti-drug operations resulted in significant recoveries, including, chars 1.71 kg, heroin 454.75 gm, brown sugar 465 gm, crushed cannabis 320 gm, six vehicles seized, cash recovered Rs 1050, and a digital weighing machine was also seized.

Additionally, the Police took stringent measures by attaching and seizing properties linked to drug peddlers. The seized properties include a mini complex comprising four shops valued at Rs 10,50,831, land measuring 1 kanal and 8 marlas valued at Rs 11,20,000 and a cab valued at Rs 8,90,000.

Eleven drug peddlers were also detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.