Narcotics gravest threat confronting J&K after terrorism: DIG North Kashmir

Baramulla, Jan 06: Describing drug abuse as the gravest internal threat confronting Jammu and Kashmir after terrorism, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood Ul Zamaan on Tuesday said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared and committed to confronting the narcotics menace with firmness and continuity.

Speaking to media persons, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC, DIG said, North Kashmir Police have recorded major breakthroughs in their anti-drug operations in recent months, dismantling several trafficking modules, recovering substantial quantities of contraband and arresting multiple individuals involved in the illicit trade.

He said habitual and key offenders have also been booked under the PIT NDPS Act to ensure they are prevented from further harming society.

“Eradicating drugs is not a task for police alone. Community involvement is indispensable. People must come forward and share information so that this threat can be eliminated from its roots,” Ul Zamaan said.

The DIG said authorities are also targeting the financial infrastructure of drug syndicates by attaching and confiscating properties of traffickers, aimed at crippling the entire ecosystem supporting the illegal trade.

Commenting on the misuse of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), he said such digital tools are often exploited to mask criminal activities and are being closely monitored, as their misuse also poses serious security concerns.

On border security, Ul Zamaan said North Kashmir, being close to the Line of Control, remains sensitive, but stressed that comprehensive security arrangements and continuous surveillance are in place to foil any infiltration attempts.

Reaffirming the resolve of J&K Police, the DIG said the crackdown on narcotics will be intensified further, alongside sustained public outreach, to protect society especially the youth from the devastating impact of drugs.