As many as 155 drug hotspots have been identified across the 10 districts of Jammu Division by the authorities during the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, which was launched on April 11 this year.
Further, as part of the anti-drug campaign, a total of 598 FIRs have been registered against drug peddlers, leading to the arrest of 701 accused so far.
The information was shared during a high-level review meeting jointly chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, to assess the two-month progress of the ongoing 100-day campaign.
During the meeting, the latest progress under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan was reviewed across various parameters. It was informed that over the past two months, 1,32,232 tehsil-level, 1,69,026 panchayat-level, and 38,03,405 village-level awareness programmes had been conducted across Jammu Division, witnessing massive participation from people belonging to all sections of society and turning the campaign into a mass movement.
To strengthen the initiative, 4,779 Panchayat Mahila Samitis were constituted and 947 youth clubs were activated. Awareness programmes were conducted with the involvement of religious leaders, youth clubs, Panchayat Mahila Samitis, and religious institutions, supported by extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities undertaken by the administration.
- 155 hotspots of drug activity were identified.
- A total of 598 FIRs were lodged against drug peddlers.
- 701 drug peddlers have been arrested to date.
- Twenty-four PIT-NDPS detention orders were also issued against drug smugglers.
- 14 kg of heroin, 49 kg of ganja, 3.712 kg of charas and 204.5 kg of poppy straw were recovered.
- Illicit crops, including poppy plants over 52 marlas, poppy straw weighing 25.43 kg, wild cannabis over 44 kanals, lahan (22,150 units) and 476 litres of illegal liquor were also destroyed.
- As a measure of deterrence, 62 immovable properties of drug peddlers worth ₹19.30 crore have been demolished.
- 21 immovable properties worth ₹24.868 crore have been seized or attached.
- Movable properties worth ₹1.69 crore were also seized or attached.
- A total of 180 passports have been recommended for suspension, 101 driving licences were suspended and 81 have been cancelled to date.
- 243 registration certificates of vehicles were suspended and 94 have been cancelled by the Transport Department across different districts of Jammu Division.
As a result of these outreach efforts, hundreds of calls were received seeking counselling and assistance for victims of drug abuse.
The campaign has combined strong enforcement measures with extensive administrative and awareness activities aimed at curbing drug abuse and dismantling narcotics networks across Jammu Division.
Authorities reported that 155 drug hotspots had been identified during the campaign. A total of 598 FIRs were registered against drug peddlers, while 701 drug peddlers have been arrested so far. Additionally, 24 detention orders under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act were issued against alleged drug smugglers.
Enforcement agencies recovered 14 kilograms of heroin, 49 kilograms of ganja, 3.712 kilograms of charas, and 204.5 kilograms of poppy straw during the campaign.
Illicit crops and contraband destroyed included poppy cultivation spread over 52 marlas, 25.43 kilograms of poppy straw, wild cannabis cultivated over 44 kanals, 22,150 units of lahan, and 476 litres of illicit liquor.
As part of deterrent measures, 62 immovable properties belonging to drug peddlers, worth ₹19.30 crore, were demolished. In addition, 21 immovable properties valued at ₹24.868 crore were seized or attached, while movable properties worth ₹1.69 crore were also seized or attached.
Authorities further recommended the suspension of 180 passports linked to accused persons. A total of 101 driving licences were suspended, while 81 licences were cancelled. Similarly, 243 vehicle registration certificates were suspended, and 94 were cancelled by the Transport Department across various districts of Jammu Division.
The meeting was informed that, with a focus on rehabilitation, 884 youths were identified for rehabilitation out of 2,293 identified drug users. Of these, 547 have been rehabilitated, while 254 have been linked to self-employment schemes.
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar emphasised the need to strengthen the rehabilitation ecosystem and expand counselling services and helpline outreach.
He said that victims of drug abuse should be connected with livelihood opportunities through employment linkages and that children should be provided with adequate sports infrastructure and kits to prevent them from falling prey to drug addiction.
The Divisional Commissioner also called for strengthening de-addiction centres and ensuring regular follow-up with rehabilitated youths. He directed district administrations to continuously monitor identified hotspots and remain vigilant regarding shifting or newly emerging centres of drug activity.
He further instructed Deputy Commissioners to adopt a data-driven approach to hotspot management to ensure a sustained reduction in drug abuse and trafficking across Jammu Division.
Ramesh Kumar also directed Deputy Commissioners to regularly publicise tele-assistance and helpline numbers for drug abuse-related issues. He asked the Drug Controller and district administrations to conduct rigorous inspections of drug stores and chemist shops and take strict action against those found involved in the illegal sale of regulated medicines.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed that awareness campaigns should focus on bringing about behavioural change among the public. He underscored the importance of engaging with parents, students, and teachers for the early identification of signs of drug abuse.
He also directed district administrations to maintain robust surveillance and intelligence networks to enhance the effectiveness of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan.
IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti observed that significant progress had been achieved under the campaign so far. He called for intensified efforts to eradicate the menace of drug abuse and urged district administrations to hold NCORD meetings regularly and without fail.
