Srinagar: Police across Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their crackdown on drug-related activities under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, carrying out a wide-ranging, multi-district offensive that combined enforcement, surveillance, and public awareness initiatives.
In a coordinated operation spanning Anantnag, Kupwara and Awantipora, police destroyed illegal poppy cultivation and registered multiple FIRs under the NDPS Act. In Anantnag, illicit crops were eradicated in Aishmuqam and Kokernag, with three FIRs registered in the presence of Executive Magistrates. In Kupwara, illegal poppy plants cultivated within a residential compound were destroyed and samples seized for investigation. A similar drive in Woyen area of Awantipora led to destruction of crops with support from Revenue and Agriculture departments, and a case was registered to identify those involved.
Continuing enforcement against illegal pharmaceutical practices, police in Budgam conducted a major inspection drive of medical shops, particularly in remote areas. Joint teams of police and Drug Control officials scrutinised stock registers, sale records and licences. In Narbal, five medical shops were sealed for violations, including failure to install CCTV cameras and non-compliance with regulatory norms. Authorities said the drive aims to curb misuse of prescription drugs contributing to substance abuse.
In Sopore, police, in coordination with Drug Control authorities, took action against illegal pharmacies at Ningli Bala and Sangrama. One shop operating without a valid licence was sealed, while another was found storing excess quantities of Pregabalin tablets, leading to seizure of stock and suspension of licence.
On the operational front, police intensified anti-narcotics measures in Handwara and Anantnag, deploying sniffer dog units during naka checking and surprise inspections to enhance detection of concealed narcotics. In Anantnag, extensive narco raids were carried out across identified hotspots, with searches of suspected premises and preventive action against known offenders. Authorities also conducted surveys of movable and immovable properties of suspected drug peddlers to trace assets linked to drug trafficking for possible attachment under law.
In Awantipora, police adopted a multi-pronged strategy by displaying lists of identified drug peddlers at police stations, establishing “rogue galleries” with photographs of offenders, and integrating their data into face recognition systems to strengthen surveillance and public awareness.
Pulwama witnessed an extensive district-wide offensive, including deployment of sniffer dog squads during vehicle checks in Rajpora and search operations in Zasoo, Tumlahal and Dougam targeting suspected peddlers. Illegal poppy cultivation was destroyed in Litter and Putrigam, with FIR No. 69/2026 registered under the NDPS Act. Authorities also conducted inspections of medical shops in areas such as Aarihal, recommended cancellation of driving licences of three accused, and initiated action to revoke government accommodation of an individual linked to an NDPS case.
In Shopian, police destroyed illegal poppy cultivation in Ganowpora and Nowpora Bala. Two FIRs—No. 69/2026 and 70/2026—were registered after crops grown on private land were eradicated during joint operations with Revenue officials.
Alongside enforcement, police launched extensive awareness campaigns across Awantipora, Budgam, Baramulla and Ganderbal. Programmes were held in educational institutions including Government Girls Higher Secondary School Pampore, Spring Buds Educational Institute Ompora, Government Boys Higher Secondary School Tral, and other schools in Shopian and Sopore. Students were sensitised about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraged to act as ambassadors of change.
Community outreach efforts included Police–Teacher meetings, village-level Police Community Partnership Group interactions, and public rallies. In Baramulla, an anti-drug bike rally from Palhallan Pattan to Goushbugh Pattan drew large youth participation under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life.” In Ganderbal, rallies and awareness programmes involving students, teachers and citizens were organised in Safapora and Kheerbawani areas.
Sports initiatives also formed part of the outreach, with a Cosco cricket tournament organised in Shopian to promote healthy engagement among youth.
Police said these combined efforts reflect a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, with equal emphasis on enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share information to help build a safer, healthier and drug-free society.
