Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday intensified its crackdown on drug abuse across several districts of Kashmir, carrying out a mix of awareness programmes, enforcement drives, raids, and destruction of illegal poppy cultivation under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
In Shopian, police organised a series of awareness programmes at Government Higher Secondary School Kanjiular, High School Landoora, UPS Mujpathri Keller and NIPS Zainapora, alongside a nukkad natak at Pinjoora Ground. The sessions saw active participation from students and teaching staff, focusing on the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse, as well as its legal implications. Students were encouraged to act as ambassadors of a drug-free society.
In a parallel enforcement action in the district, police destroyed illegal poppy cultivation in the Turkwangam area after receiving specific inputs. The crop, found on land belonging to a local resident, was destroyed on the spot. A case (FIR No. 62/2026) has been registered at Police Station Zainapora, and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in Sopore, police launched a multi-pronged campaign involving awareness sessions, rallies and enforcement measures. Programmes were held at several educational institutions, including GHSS Rohama, where Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore Shabir Ahmad Raina presided over the event. Participants were sensitised about early signs of addiction and the importance of education, sports and parental guidance.
Anti-drug rallies were also taken out in Rohama and Trumgund, with participants raising slogans such as “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.” A foot march in Sopore town, organised in collaboration with the Druggists and Chemists Association and civil society members, reflected a broader community push against drug abuse. Authorities also inspected medical stores to ensure compliance with regulations.
In Awantipora, police intensified raids at identified narcotics hotspots including Kawni, Ladermud and Brawbadina to dismantle drug networks. Simultaneously, awareness programmes were conducted in schools and local communities, while joint teams of police, revenue and agriculture departments destroyed illegal poppy cultivation at multiple locations, including Barsoo. FIRs have been registered in relevant cases.
In Kulgam, police introduced a distinctive measure by displaying “rogue galleries” in police stations, featuring photographs of identified drug peddlers. The initiative aims to alert the public and discourage any association with such individuals, while encouraging citizens to share information with authorities.
Ganderbal also witnessed a series of awareness and enforcement initiatives. Rallies were organised from Kangan Hospital to SDM Office Kangan and from GDC Kangan to Army School Margund, involving police, civil society and youth. Programmes were also held in Shadipora and Government Polytechnic College Hatbura, while inspections of shops and medical outlets were conducted in Kullan to prevent misuse of controlled substances.
In Pulwama, police carried out coordinated operations combining awareness and enforcement. Programmes were organised at multiple schools, including Future Pack School Shadimarg and GHSS Nihama, with participation from students, senior citizens and locals. Extensive search operations targeting suspected drug peddlers were conducted, and medical shops were inspected.
In a significant action, illegal poppy cultivation was detected and destroyed in Chewekhurd, leading to the registration of FIR No. 67/2026 under relevant sections of law.
Additionally, a special anti-drug cordon and search operation was conducted in Shopian’s Keller and Zainapora areas, targeting suspected peddlers and vulnerable locations such as abandoned structures to prevent their misuse.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance approach, J&K Police said that strict enforcement, sustained awareness and community participation remain central to its strategy. Authorities urged citizens to cooperate and share information about drug-related activities, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
The ongoing campaign continues to focus on safeguarding youth and building a safer, drug-free society across Jammu and Kashmir.
