SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday intensified anti-drug awareness, enforcement and public outreach activities across Pulwama, Handwara, Awantipora, Baramulla and Sopore under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan.
In Pulwama, a major awareness programme was organised at Government Higher Secondary School Achan under the supervision of SSP Pulwama Tanushree to sensitise students and youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
Addressing students and faculty members, the SSP stressed the importance of protecting the younger generation from narcotics and urged students to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign. Students were informed about the legal, psychological, social and health consequences of substance abuse and encouraged to focus on education, sports and positive activities.
An interactive session was also held during which students raised questions related to prevention of drug abuse, while awareness material carrying anti-drug messages was distributed among participants.
Meanwhile, Pulwama Police along with Revenue officials destroyed wild cannabis plants in the graveyard area of Urwan to prevent misuse and eradicate illegal cultivation.
In Handwara, police organised awareness rallies and programmes in schools and public places to educate students and youth about the harmful effects of drug addiction on health, families and society.
Police teams also intensified checking at identified drug hotspots, enhanced surveillance and established naka points at strategic locations to monitor suspicious movement and curb narcotics-related activities.
Special inspection drives were carried out at medical shops across different areas to ensure compliance with regulations governing the sale of prescription medicines. Shopkeepers were sensitised regarding maintenance of records and adherence to standard operating procedures to prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
Police also destroyed wild cannabis cultivation at various locations and appealed to the public to report illegal cultivation or drug-related activities.
In Awantipora, awareness programmes were organised at Government High School Dogripora, Government Higher Secondary School Panzgam, Government High School Wuyan and CFC Hall at BDO Office Aripal.
Participants were sensitised about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and encouraged to actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
A signature campaign was also organised at Bus Stand Tral in collaboration with the District Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre Pulwama, where people pledged support towards eradicating drug abuse.
Police and officials from the Drug Department also conducted joint inspections of medical stores at Gulzarpora and Panzgam. During the drive, Shafi Medical Store and Irshad Medical Store were sealed by the Drug Department Pulwama for alleged violations of prescribed norms and regulations.
Additionally, police in Khrew conducted a special drive against violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), during which several violators were fined on the spot.
In Baramulla, police organised a drug awareness programme at Government Higher Secondary School Nowgam Kandi to sensitise students and teaching staff about the harmful effects of narcotic substances and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Police officers urged students to remain vigilant and spread awareness within their communities to help build a drug-free society. The programme witnessed participation from students, school staff and local representatives.
As part of civic awareness initiatives, Baramulla Police also conducted an anti-polythene drive at Shumlaran Chandoosa, during which around 500 grams of banned polythene material was seized and a fine of ₹200 imposed on violators.
Meanwhile, Baramulla Police organised 31 ‘Thana Diwas/PCPG meetings’ across different areas of the district to strengthen police-public relations and intensify public outreach under the anti-drug campaign.
The meetings were held at several locations including Nanak Bhawan, Ushkoora, Hajibal, Malpora, Saloosa, Chanpora, Babareshi, Salasan, Braripora and Darkote among others.
During these interactions, police discussed issues related to drug abuse, cybercrime awareness, tenant verification, road connectivity, drainage, electricity and public safety.
In Sopore, police organised a 4-kilometre run and walk marathon at Government Higher Secondary School Hygam under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.”
Hundreds of students and faculty members participated in the event and pledged to stay away from drugs and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Drug awareness programmes were also organised at Iqra Public School Noorgah Sher Colony Sopore and Government Middle School Bunpora Zaloora, where students were sensitised about substance abuse, peer pressure and mental well-being.
Another awareness programme was organised at Police Station Panzalla to engage local youth and encourage public participation in the fight against drugs.
Police reiterated that along with strict enforcement against narcotics trafficking, awareness, prevention and community participation remain key pillars in building a safer and drug-free society in Jammu and Kashmir.
