Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday emphasized J&K;s commitment to neutralise the narco-terror nexus and combat the drug menace.
Sinha made these assertions while participating virtually in a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’, chaired by Union Home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
Addressing the conference organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the LG said that concerted efforts were made in the year 2024 to target the illicit proceeds of narcotics trafficking and 188 properties of traffickers have been identified for attachment under Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA). 274 repeat offenders were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act.
The LG also said that in 2024 significant improvements were recorded over previous years and 210 convictions were secured which is the highest-ever. In 2024, around 1,514 cases under NDPS Act were registered and 2,260 arrests were made.
He said the government is determined to completely dismantle the entire drug syndicate which is posing a serious and direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Five special NDPS Courts have been established for speedy trial of cases.
“Financial investigations are now being carried out in all cases to work out forward and backward linkages so that the entire network is neutralised in every NDPS case,” the LG said.
According to an official press release, Sinha said “under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K Union Territory has adopted a whole of government approach to deal with drug trafficking and drug abuse.”
The LG said that Inter-departmental coordination on various aspects and challenges is ensured and regular NCORD meetings have been held in the last two years.
The LG said that the forensic labs have been strengthened and modern equipment as well as manpower has been ensured. This has resulted in effective functioning of labs and strengthening of the entire legal justice framework through filing early charge-sheets and effective trial of cases.