Srinagar: Police across multiple districts of Kashmir have intensified enforcement and awareness efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, taking strict action against illegal drug activities, unlicensed pharmacies and narcotics cultivation, while also strengthening public outreach and capacity building.
In Sopore, police, in coordination with the Drug Control authorities, sealed an illegal medical store in the Hadipora area of Rafiabad. During a joint inspection, the shop was found operating without a valid drug licence and without mandatory CCTV installation. The premises, run by Abdul Rashid Lone of Hadipora, were sealed on the spot after due legal procedure. Officials said this marks the fourth such action in Police District Sopore as part of the ongoing crackdown on non-compliant chemist shops. Police reiterated that strict action will continue against illegal sale or storage of medicines and psychotropic substances.
Meanwhile, in Anantnag, police intensified enforcement by conducting inspections of medical stores in Achabal area, where three shops—Hope Chemists and Drugs, Parry Medical Store and Dar and Rather Pharmacy—were sealed for failing to maintain proper sale and purchase records. Authorities said the action was taken to prevent diversion of scheduled drugs for illicit use, and further investigation is underway.
In addition to enforcement, police in Anantnag organised a five-day specialised training programme for Investigating Officers (IOs) to enhance handling of cases under the NDPS Act. The training focused on legal procedures, evidence collection, case documentation and best practices to improve conviction rates. Senior officers and subject experts imparted practical knowledge aimed at strengthening professional and legally sound investigations.
Public awareness initiatives were also carried out in Awantipora and Shopian. In Awantipora, an awareness programme was held at Seer Public High School, Khrew, sensitising students and staff about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Police Station Tral also organised a bike rally from Government Degree College Tral to Bus Stand Tral, with participants spreading messages promoting a drug-free society.
Similarly, in Shopian, awareness sessions were conducted at Government Middle School Paderpora Hermain and Oxford Public School Imamsahib, where students were educated about the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of substance abuse and encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
In a major anti-narcotics operation, police destroyed illegal poppy cultivation spread over large areas in Shopian and Kulgam districts. In Berthipora Shopian, poppy crops grown on orchard land were destroyed, and a case (FIR No. 46/2026) was registered at Police Station Keller. In Kulgam, separate cases (FIR No. 74 and 75/2026) under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act were registered against individuals for cultivating opium poppy in Shurath and Nillow villages. The illicit crops were destroyed during joint operations involving police, revenue and agriculture officials.
Police officials said the intensified drive reflects a firm commitment to eradicate drug abuse and related illegal activities, while simultaneously promoting awareness, prevention and rehabilitation to build a drug-free society.
