Srinagar: The anti-drug campaign under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan continued to gain momentum across Kashmir, with Jammu and Kashmir Police intensifying enforcement, inspections, and awareness programmes across multiple districts.
As part of focused regulatory action, police conducted inspections of medical stores and chemist shops in Sopore and Kupwara to ensure strict compliance with prescribed norms. The inspections were carried out in coordination with concerned civil departments across Police District Sopore and at Mandian Keran in Kupwara, with the objective of ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and preventing the sale of scheduled drugs without proper medical prescriptions.
During the drive, proprietors and staff of medical stores were sensitised about their legal and social responsibilities. They were directed to strictly follow provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, maintain proper records of sale and purchase of scheduled medicines, and ensure that psychotropic and Schedule H1 drugs are not dispensed without valid prescriptions. Chemists were warned that any violation, including illegal sale of prescription drugs, would invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act and Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
In Shopian, a series of awareness programmes were organised at Government Degree College Shopian and various schools under the jurisdiction of Police Station Zainapora, Keller, Police Post Wachi, and Berthipora. A rally was also conducted at Berthipora as part of the campaign. The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teaching staff, and police officials. Speakers highlighted the harmful effects of drug abuse, its adverse societal impact, and the legal consequences involved, while encouraging students to promote a drug-free environment within their communities.
In Awantipora, awareness and preventive activities were conducted across Police District Awantipora under the supervision of senior officers. A meeting with Numberdars and Chowkidars was held in the Khrew area, sensitising them about their role in identifying suspicious activities and curbing drug abuse. An awareness rally was organised at Gulzarpora (Tokuna) in collaboration with Government Model Higher Secondary School, where students, staff, and police officials participated actively, carrying anti-drug banners. Another awareness programme was held at Boys Higher Secondary School Pampore, involving parents, students, and teachers, with emphasis on building a drug-free society. Additionally, checking of chemist and druggist shops was carried out to prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
Kupwara witnessed a comprehensive awareness programme along with a large-scale rally at Khurhama Lolab, with participation from students, police personnel, civil society members, and local residents. Police officials expressed concern over the rising trend of substance abuse and stressed collective responsibility in tackling the issue. A rally passed through main areas of Khurhama Lolab, with participants raising anti-drug slogans and carrying placards promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The event concluded with a pledge by participants to work collectively towards eradicating drug abuse and ensuring a safe environment.
In Baramulla, multiple awareness initiatives were organised to sensitise the public, particularly youth. The Police Drug De-Addiction Centre Baramulla conducted an awareness programme at Government Middle School Drangbal, focusing on the ill-effects of drug abuse and preventive measures. Meanwhile, Police Station Sheeri organised a Nasha Mukt rally in Sheeri Market, with participation from the Market Union, Government Middle School Sheeri, PHC Sheeri, and members of the local community, who raised slogans against drug abuse.
In Ganderbal, police intensified anti-narcotics checking with the assistance of the Canine (K9) Unit of Crime Branch Srinagar. Special checkpoints were established at strategic locations, including identified hotspots, where vehicles and passengers were thoroughly checked using trained sniffer dogs to detect contraband substances.
Srinagar Police also strengthened enforcement by deploying the Narcotic Dog Squad across multiple locations in the district. The sniffer dogs were strategically positioned at key checkpoints to detect concealed narcotics and assist in identifying drug peddlers, enhancing ground-level enforcement and acting as a deterrent against drug trafficking.
Police said the multi-pronged approach—combining strict enforcement, regulatory checks, and sustained awareness campaigns—is aimed at curbing drug abuse at its source while promoting a safer and healthier society.
Jammu and Kashmir Police reiterated its commitment to eradicating the drug menace and urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share actionable information to support the ongoing campaign.
