Police lead major crackdown against drug menace in Bandipora, Shopian

Srinagar, Dec 29: In crackdown on the drug menace, police in Bandipora and Shopian districts have arrested 149 individuals in connection with 135 drug-related cases this year.

The operations have also led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, attachment of properties, and confiscation of vehicles used in illegal drug trafficking, underscoring law enforcement's relentless efforts to combat substance abuse and trafficking in the region.

BANDIPORA:

As part of their mission for a drug-free society, Bandipora Police exhibited an exceptional commitment to combating the drug menace. The year saw a series of strategic operations, legal proceedings, and awareness programmes that collectively underscored their dedication to enforcing the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

“Our officers have worked tirelessly this year, and their achievements are a testament to their dedication,” a senior police officer from Bandipora told Greater Kashmir. “We have not only targeted traffickers but also initiated community programmes to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse.”

In 2024, Bandipora Police registered 72 cases under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 91 individuals, including 13 hard-core drug peddlers who were booked under the stringent PIT NDPS Act and Public Safety Act (PSA).

Significant contraband seizures worth lakhs in the black market included, Charas: 2.556 kg, Charas Powder 21.494 kg, Bhang Leaves 9.750 kg, Bhang Powder 18.985 kg, Poppy Straw 14.4 kg, Spasmoproxyvon Tablets 2,030, Brown Sugar 24 gm, Pregabalin-M Tablets 50,Codeine Bottles 59, Tramadol Plus Tablets 200 and Clonazepam Tablet 800.

Additionally, properties of drug peddlers were attached, that included two residential houses, a Maruti Swift vehicle, a scooty, three motorcycles and four bank accounts with over Rs 5 lakh in savings

Bandipora Police have also destroyed poppy and bhang cultivation across 14 kanals of private land and wild cannabis across 666 kanals of land.

“The success of these operations is also due to the unwavering support of the citizens, who have shown immense faith in our actions,” the officer said. “Together, we can make Bandipora a drug-free district.”

SHOPIAN:

In Shopian district, the police have registered 54 new NDPS cases in 2024, resolving 50 cases during the year. Combined with nine backlog cases, a total of 63 cases were handled, achieving a remarkable 92.06% disposal rate.

A total number of 58 individuals were arrested and five booked under the PIT NDPS Act. “We are committed to targeting not only the peddlers but also the networks enabling this menace,” said an official from Shopian Police. “Our focus remains on stringent enforcement and community engagement.”

The seizures in Shopian were significant that included Poppy Straw/Fukki 497.5 kg, Charas 91.1 kg, Codeine/Welcyrex Bottles 23, Brown Sugar: 278 gm, Heroin: 2.528 kg and Cash Rs. 12,03,170/-

Shopian Police have also attached six properties linked to drug peddlers, valued at approximately Rs 2.2 crore. These properties included three residential houses valued at Rs. 68 lakh, one shop valued at Rs. 1.033 crore and three kanals and eight marlas of land worth Rs 48 lakh.