Srinagar: Police across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday intensified their crackdown on drug-related activities under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, destroying illicit poppy cultivation, registering multiple cases under the NDPS Act, arresting a drug peddler, and conducting extensive enforcement and awareness drives across several districts.
In Anantnag, police destroyed illegal opium poppy cultivation at multiple locations. At Babagund, Police Station Mattan acted on specific information regarding cultivation by one Ab Majeed Sheikh, son of Late Ali Sheikh. A joint team, in the presence of Agriculture Department officials and an Executive Magistrate, found and destroyed the crop.
Similarly, Police Station Utrasoo, in coordination with revenue officials, destroyed illicit poppy cultivation on land belonging to Nisar Ahmad Wani at Pati Sheikhpora, Cherpora.
In Awantipora, police teams from Police Station Tral eradicated illegal poppy cultivation at Laru Jagir in coordination with Revenue and Agriculture Departments. Cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered and investigations initiated.
In Budgam, police conducted coordinated operations leading to the destruction of illicit poppy cultivation and registration of five cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. At Charar-i-Sharief, poppy plants were found in an orchard owned by Mohd Amin Baba Akhoon. Police Station Khansahib destroyed cultivation at Khasipora and Dooru, registering FIR No. 71/2026 against Mushtaq Ahmad Mir and FIR No. 75/2026 against Ghulam Qadir Bhat.
Further operations by Police Station Budgam at Ichgam and Police Station Chadoora at Wagam led to destruction of illicit crops, with all legal formalities including seizure, sampling and documentation completed on the spot in the presence of Revenue/Excise officials and an Executive Magistrate.
In Shopian, Police Station Imamsahib detected and destroyed illegal poppy cultivation on land belonging to Gh Ahmad Wani and Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh at Narwani Imamsahib. FIR No. 28/2026 has been registered and further investigation is underway.
In Pulwama, police carried out a series of targeted enforcement and preventive measures as part of the ongoing 100-day campaign. Intensive search operations were conducted at Ayangund Shadimarg and Thokerpora, focusing on suspected drug peddlers and vulnerable individuals.
Simultaneously, inspections of medical shops in areas including Rajpora were carried out to ensure compliance with norms governing the sale of controlled substances. Officials examined stock registers, prescriptions and CCTV systems to enhance accountability.
Awareness programmes were also organised at Nikas and Gabalpora, where the public was sensitised about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraged to support anti-drug initiatives.
In Baramulla, police registered a case (FIR No. 91/2026) under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act after detecting illegal poppy cultivation at Yall Pattan by one Gh. Rasool Yatto.
In another operation, Police Station Tangmarg apprehended a suspected drug peddler, identified as Shaukat Ali of Bihar, currently residing at Chandilora. During search, approximately 20 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. FIR No. 23/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered.
Police in Baramulla also intensified enforcement through naka checking and search operations at key locations, including the Kunzer–Gulmarg road. Vehicles were thoroughly checked to deter drug trafficking.
Awareness pamphlets carrying SSP Baramulla helpline details were distributed, while Police Post Mirgund organised an outreach programme at Yakhmanpora village, urging community vigilance and youth engagement.
In Awantipora, awareness programmes were conducted at Zerdiyar (Tral) and Konibal in collaboration with community leaders. Participants, including youth and local residents, were educated about the dangers of substance abuse and encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles.
A pledge was administered during these programmes, with attendees resolving to stay away from drugs and contribute towards building a drug-free society. Speakers also highlighted the availability of counselling and de-addiction services.
Police reiterated their firm commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and appealed to the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug trafficking, peddling or illegal cultivation. Authorities emphasised that strict action will continue against those involved in narcotics-related activities as part of sustained efforts to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
