Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 24: 94 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered, while 1.7 kg brown sugar, 2.83 kg crystal meth, and several psychotropic drugs, and properties worth Rs 4.5 crore were also seized in Srinagar in 2024, police said here.
Addressing a press conference, senior superintendent of Police Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that that the crackdown on drug menace led to arrest of 156 individuals, 46 major cases being launched, and detention of 26 notorious drug peddlers under NDPSA.
He said that in terms of recoveries, police confiscated 1.7 kg brown sugar, 2.83 kg crystal meth, and several psychotropic drugs commonly misused for addiction purposes. “Additionally, seven vehicles and seven residential houses, valued at Rs 4.5 crore, were seized as properties linked to drug-related crimes,” he said.
“This year alone, we submitted 26 dossiers to the Divisional Commissioner, requesting detention orders for individuals involved in drug trafficking. The proactive efforts of the Divisional Commissioner’s office have played a crucial role in ensuring that these notorious peddlers face justice,” he said.
He stressed the need for a collective approach to combat the crisis. “This is not just a matter for the police or any specific government department. It is a societal problem that affects all of us, especially our younger generation and children. The more awareness and sensitivity we can create, the better equipped we will be to eradicate this curse from our society,” the SSP said.
He drew parallels to the region’s decades-long struggle against terrorism, which was mitigated through combined efforts of the security forces, government, and the public. He called for similar determination and collaboration to tackle the drug problem. “We consider it not just a professional duty but also a moral responsibility as members of this society,” he added.
SSP Srinagar appealed to the public to report any suspected drug-related activities through police helpline. “Rest assured, strict action will be taken against anyone spreading this menace among our youth. Many individuals might think they are not on the police radar, but we are monitoring every such person and waiting for the right moment to catch them with evidence and recoveries.”
The SSP appealed to the parents of drug-addicts to seek help from drug rehabilitation centers. He noted that police-operated facility in Srinagar, along with other government and private centers, offer necessary support for recovery. “We view drug addicts as victims and patients in need of treatment. But we treat traffickers and peddlers as criminals who will face the full might of the law,” he said.
He said that there has been a significant reduction in cross-border trafficking, “we remain vigilant to trace even small quantities of drugs back to their source and take appropriate legal action.”
“Our fight against drug trafficking and peddling will continue with full vigor and determination. We owe it to our youth and society to eliminate this menace. Together, with the support of the public, we can make Srinagar a drug-free city,” the SSP said—(KNO)
