For the first time, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has demolished the house of a notorious drug peddler on the outskirts of Jammu city to send a clear message to narco-terrorists in the Union Territory.
The local administration demolished the residential property of a drug peddler in Jammu amid heavy security arrangements as part of its ongoing crackdown on narcotics.
A large contingent of officials and police, equipped with heavy-duty bulldozers, demolished the property owned by Shamsdin alias Pappi in Belicharana due to his involvement in drug peddling.
The authorities also demolished Shamsdin's house, removed grass huts, and seized some two-wheelers, officials added.
The action was part of the 100-day 'Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan', launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 11 to curb drug trafficking and dismantle the financial networks of those involved, officials said.
"Shamsdin, locally known as Pappi, is currently lodged in jail. He was involved in drug-related activities, and the property he built over time was funded using proceeds of crime. We have demolished the property," the local tehsildar told reporters.
Shamsdin hails from the border area of RS Pura and had built the property in Belicharana, he added.
According to officials, properties of more than 150 drug peddlers have either been seized or demolished in the Jammu region over the past year.
On Monday, L-G Sinha directed the police to prepare a list of top drug peddlers at every police station and take action to dismantle their networks within 30 days.
He also warned that the administration will launch a stringent crackdown on traffickers and syndicates, including revoking passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards, and arms licences.
Five drug peddlers arrested
Continuing its efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, J&K Police arrested five drug peddlers in multiple operations in Anantnag and Sopore, recovering a significant quantity of contraband substances from their possession.
According to reports, in Anantnag, J&K Police intensified its drive against drug peddling and narcotics smuggling, leading to the arrest of four accused persons and the recovery of significant quantities of contraband.
A police party from Police Station Uttrasoo, during naka checking at Chatergul Chowk, intercepted a vehicle. During the search, charas powder and charas balls were recovered. One accused, Farooq Ahmad Khan, son of Fazil Khan and a resident of Poshnari, is a government employee working as a Class IV employee in the Vailoo court.
Moreover, acting on reliable information, a police team from Police Station Aishmuqam conducted a raid at the residence of Salman Saleem Rather, son of Mohd Saleem Rather and a resident of Diyaroo, in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. During the search, 2.590 kg of a crushed charas-like substance was recovered.
In another operation, a police party from Police Station Mattan, during naka checking at Bumzoo KP Road near Footbridge Nambal, intercepted a suspicious person identified as Aaqib Ahmad Shah, son of Gh Hassan Shah and a resident of Shaksaz Mohalla, Seer Hamdan. During the search of his bag, 3 kg of ground cannabis leaves, flowers, and seeds were recovered.
In a separate action, acting on specific input, a police party from Police Station Bijbehara conducted a raid at the residence of Irfan Gani Kandroo, son of Abdul Gani Kandroo and a resident of Adder Bijbehara. During the search, 5.03 kg of a charas powder-like substance was recovered from his house.
In Sopore, J&K Police apprehended a drug peddler under the jurisdiction of Police Station Panzalla. During naka checking at Tarbal Rohama, a suspicious individual was intercepted and apprehended. Upon personal search, a charas-like substance was recovered and seized as per procedure. The accused has been identified as Shahid Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Rashid Mir and a resident of Mirpora Rohama, Rafiabad.
All the accused have been arrested, and cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at the respective police stations. Further investigation is underway to unearth the broader network involved.
