701 Drug Peddlers Arrested as Jammu Intensifies War on Narcotics

The anti-drug campaign underway across the Jammu division has led to the arrest of 701 drug peddlers and action against properties worth more than Rs 45 crore , highlighting the growing intensity of Jammu and Kashmir's fight against narcotics and narco-terror networks .

Officials shared the figures during a review meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti , to assess the first two months of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan , launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in April. The wider Union Territory campaign has been described as one of the largest anti-drug operations in J&K, targeting both traffickers and their financial networks.

Authorities said 598 FIRs have been registered, resulting in 701 arrests, while 155 drug hotspots have been identified across Jammu division. Police also issued 24 PIT-NDPS detention orders against major smugglers.

During the crackdown, security agencies seized over 14 kg of heroin , 49 kg of ganja, 3.7 kg of charas and 204.5 kg of poppy straw. Illegal poppy cultivation spread across 52 marlas, wild cannabis over 44 kanals and 476 litres of illicit liquor were destroyed.

To dismantle the economic backbone of drug networks, 62 immovable properties worth Rs 19.3 crore were demolished, while another 21 properties valued at Rs 24.87 crore and movable assets worth Rs 1.69 crore were attached or seized.

The campaign also triggered administrative action, including recommendations to suspend 180 passports , suspension of 101 driving licences and cancellation of 81 others. Authorities additionally suspended 243 vehicle registration certificates and cancelled 94.

Rehabilitation remains a key pillar of the initiative. Of 2,293 identified drug users , 884 were selected for rehabilitation, with 547 already rehabilitated and 254 linked to self-employment schemes. Officials said counselling, de-addiction services and livelihood support will be expanded further as the campaign continues.