Srinagar: Police on Thursday launched a massive and coordinated crackdown against drug trafficking and illicit cultivation across multiple districts of Kashmir, destroying illegal poppy crops, registering cases under the NDPS Act, attaching properties, and intensifying enforcement as well as awareness measures under the ongoing anti-drug campaign.
In Baramulla, acting on specific inputs, police detected illegal poppy cultivation in the Pinjoora area on land belonging to Bashir Ahmad Malik. The crop was destroyed on the spot in the presence of a Magistrate and officials from the Excise, Revenue, and Agriculture Departments, while samples were seized for investigation. A case under FIR No. 53/2026 has been registered. In Handwara, under the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, a joint team of Police, Revenue, Excise, and Agriculture officials raided land in Pohrupeth, Chogul, belonging to Jehangir Ahmad Dar, where illicit poppy cultivation was found and destroyed. FIR No. 86/2026 has been registered at Police Station Handwara. Similarly, in Shopian’s Sindoo Shirmal area, police destroyed illegal poppy cultivation on land belonging to Khazir Mohd Bhat and registered FIR No. 74/2026 at Police Station Shopian.
Highlighting the scale of enforcement, police in Anantnag registered 153 NDPS cases during the first four months of 2026, leading to the arrest of 147 accused. In multiple operations, contraband including cannabis powder, ganja, charas, poppy straw, brown sugar, heroin, and intoxicant tablets was seized, with an estimated market value of over ₹48 lakh. Authorities also destroyed narcotic crops spread over nearly 190 marlas of land, seized 21 vehicles, cancelled 10 registration certificates and nine driving licences, and attached properties worth approximately ₹3.70 crore, including residential houses and vehicles. In a significant action, three illegally constructed restaurants linked to drug peddlers were demolished along NHW-44.
Police also targeted financial networks linked to narcotics trade. In Baramulla, property belonging to Habil Yaseen Dar of Tarhama Kunzer was frozen under provisions of the NDPS Act after confirmation that it was acquired through drug trafficking proceeds. In Shopian, a double-storey residential house valued at over ₹20 lakh belonging to Ali Mohd Bhat of Haji Check Keegam was attached in connection with an NDPS case, in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and other officials.
In Baramulla, police, in coordination with the Drug Department, sealed two medical shops in Sharkwara for violations, including operating without a valid licence and failing to follow prescribed procedures. As part of awareness efforts, a motorcycle rally was organised in Uri under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, with participation from around 50 motorcyclists, police personnel, and local residents, spreading awareness against drug abuse.
Under preventive measures, police in Ganderbal conducted a urine drug screening drive in collaboration with a medical team to facilitate early detection and rehabilitation of substance abuse cases. Meanwhile, in Shopian, police sought public assistance in tracing an absconding accused in an NDPS case, assuring confidentiality for informants.
In Pulwama, police continued sustained enforcement through search operations in Rajpora, Rahmoo, and Lassipora areas, targeting suspected drug peddlers. A Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was also carried out in Okhoo, while intensified vehicle checking was undertaken to curb trafficking. Joint teams destroyed illegal poppy and wild bhang cultivation on state land in Palpora and in Wasoora, where FIR No. 52/2026 was registered. Regulatory inspections of medical shops were also conducted to prevent misuse of psychotropic substances. Additionally, an awareness rally was held at Lelhar with participation from local Imams and residents.
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach, police said the crackdown reflects a firm commitment to dismantling both the supply chain and financial networks of drug trafficking. The public has been urged to cooperate by sharing information to help build a drug-free society.
