War on drugs in Kupwara saw 80 cases registered, 110 peddlers arrested during 2025

Kupwara, Jan 11: The frontier district Kupwara has witnessed a major intensification of the anti-narcotics campaign in 2025, with Police cracking down hard on drug peddling.

According to official details, a total of 80 cases were registered in 2025 under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 110 drug peddlers involved in the illicit trade. A senior police officer told Greater Kashmir that 15 habitual offenders were booked under the stringent PIT NDPS Act, aimed at preventing repeated involvement in narcotics-related activities. He said that two residential houses linked to drug trafficking under relevant legal provisions were attached in the border town Karnah of the district.

He said that Police in Kupwara have not only focused on arrests of individuals involved in drug peddling but disrupting supply chains by way of identifying habitual offenders, and sending a strong deterrent message. The police officer said that the drug menace is being tackled on multiple fronts and that public involvement is proving vital. “People are coming forward, and that is why such a large number of peddlers have been arrested in the current year," he added.

He also warned people against attempting to shield drug offenders. “Whenever a peddler is arrested, some people approach the police for their release. This must stop. Such interference undermines the law and the efforts of the police,". The police officer urged parents to remain vigilant and take active interest in the behaviour and company of their children. He also called on medical shop owners to monitor suspicious purchases and help in identifying addicts. “Arresting drug consumers is not a solution. Early identification and rehabilitation are more effective. We assure that the identity of informants will always remain confidential,” he added.