J&K Govt’s mission is to eradicate drug syndicates: LG

Jammu, Jan 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday said that the Jammu and Kashmir government was determined to completely dismantle the entire drug syndicate.

Addressing a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in New Delhi organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), which was chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the LG said, “The government is determined to completely dismantle the entire drug syndicate which is posing a serious and direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and security.”

He participated in the conference virtually from Jammu and emphasised J&K's commitment to neutralise the narco-terror nexus and combat the drug menace.

The LG said that concerted efforts were made in the year 2024 to target the illicit proceeds of narcotics trafficking and 188 properties of traffickers had been identified for attachment under Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA).

He said that 274 repeat offenders were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act.

LG Sinha said that in the year 2024 significant improvements were recorded over previous years and 210 convictions were secured which was the highest ever.

“In 2024, around 1514 cases under NDPS Act were registered and 2260 arrests were made,” he said.

The LG said that five special NDPS Courts had been established for speedy trial of cases.

“Financial investigations are now being carried out in all cases to work out forward and backward linkages so that the entire network is neutralised in every NDPS case,” he said.

LG Sinha said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K had adopted a ‘whole of government approach’ to deal with drug trafficking and drug abuse. He said that inter-departmental coordination on various aspects and challenges was ensured and regular NCORD meetings were held in the last two years. The LG said that the forensic labs had been strengthened and modern equipment as well as manpower had been ensured.

“This has resulted in the effective functioning of labs and strengthening of the entire legal justice framework through filing early charge-sheet and effective trial of cases,” he said.