Srinagar: In a sustained and multi-pronged offensive under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified action against narcotics across multiple districts, targeting illegal cultivation, supply chains, and drug abuse through enforcement drives, inspections, and large-scale awareness programmes.
In Anantnag, police registered FIR No. 31/2026 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Pahalgam following information about illegal poppy cultivation in the village of Sofi Pora. A police team led by SI Farooq Ahmad, along with officials from the Agriculture and Revenue departments, conducted on-site verification. The process included expert identification of the crop, land demarcation by the Patwari, sampling, and subsequent destruction of the cultivation spread over approximately four marlas.
In another case, acting on inputs from the Beat Incharge, illegal poppy cultivation was detected on land belonging to Farooq Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Rashid Mir, a resident of Sheikhgund. The crop was destroyed on the spot, and FIR No. 44/2026 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Uttrasoo. Investigation is underway.
In Shopian, police, in coordination with the Executive Magistrate, carried out a special drive against wild cannabis in village Shadab Karewa. During the operation, cannabis plants spread across approximately 30 marlas at two different locations were identified and destroyed on the spot to prevent misuse.
In Handwara, extensive awareness programmes were conducted across institutions and public spaces, sensitising youth and the general public about the physical, psychological, and social consequences of substance abuse. Students were encouraged to act as responsible citizens and resist drug use.
Simultaneously, police conducted rigorous inspections of medical shops to ensure compliance with laws governing the sale of prescription drugs. Shopkeepers were warned against unauthorized sale and directed to maintain proper records. Police also intensified naka checking and surveillance at identified drug hotspots to dismantle trafficking networks.
Wild cannabis plants were also identified and destroyed at multiple locations as part of environmental and anti-narcotics action.
In Awantipora, awareness programmes were held at Government Middle School Kawani and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Batagund, Tral, where students and staff were sensitised about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, police conducted inspections of medical shops in the Aripal area to prevent illegal sale and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
Separate awareness events were also organised at Woyen under the chairmanship of SDPO Pampore and at Sumo Stand Awantipora, involving civil society members, Auqaf Committees, commuters, and locals, urging public cooperation in reporting drug-related activities.
In Shopian, police conducted a comprehensive inspection drive around Keller Hospital, targeting chemist shops and druggist establishments. Officials examined stock registers, sale and purchase records, licenses, and other mandatory documentation, warning that violations involving illegal possession or sale of controlled substances would invite strict action under the NDPS Act.
In Kupwara, police deployed trained K9 sniffer dogs to enhance detection capabilities during naka checking, targeted raids, and area domination exercises. The canine unit is being used in both densely populated and remote areas to trace concealed narcotics.
Police also established checking points at key locations, conducted surprise inspections, and carried out searches in colleges, schools, and chemist shops to disrupt drug supply chains.
In Sopore, police intensified the campaign through anti-drug rallies, pledge ceremonies, and awareness programmes across the district. The events witnessed participation from ADC Sopore, Tehsildar, officials from Health, R&B and Education departments, civil society members, Auqaf Committees, religious leaders, youth, and students.
Participants raised slogans such as “Say No to Drugs” and “Save Youth, Save Future.” Simultaneously, police, in coordination with the Drug Control Department, conducted surprise inspections of chemist shops to ensure compliance with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
In Ganderbal, police, along with the Drug Inspector, conducted inspections at Ganiwan and Gund, during which one medical shop was sealed for violating mandatory procedures.
Preventive measures were further strengthened through urine drug screening at National Highway Lar in collaboration with PHC Lar. An awareness rally was also organised at Tulmullah in coordination with Bharat Scouts and Guides.
In Budgam, police organised multiple awareness programmes and village-level Police Community Partnership Group (PCPG) meetings across areas including Peerbagh Humhama, Narbal, Chadoora, Khansahib, Soibugh, Magam, Beerwah, and Khag.
Participants were sensitised about the ill effects of drug abuse, provisions of the NDPS Act, and the importance of community policing in identifying and preventing drug-related activities.
In Pulwama, illegal poppy cultivation was destroyed in New Colony Arihal and Washbugh. FIR No. 74/2026 was registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and the crop was sampled and destroyed in the presence of officials from Excise, Agriculture, and Revenue departments.
Police also intensified vehicle checking near Rahmoo bridge and conducted multiple awareness programmes, including rallies by students of Career Care Institute, Newa, and outreach in various schools.
In Kulgam, an anti-drug awareness programme was held at Hanfia Model Institute, Mohamadpora, with participation from DySP HQRS Nisar Ahmad-JKPS, students, and staff. The session focused on the physical, psychological, social, and legal consequences of drug abuse, while encouraging youth to spread awareness.
Police reiterated their firm commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics, emphasizing that strict enforcement, community engagement, and continuous awareness are key to eliminating the drug menace. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate and share information to support the mission of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
