SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Thursday said they registered 408 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 476 alleged drug peddlers during the first nine months of 2026, while properties worth around Rs 60 crore were attached in 35 cases.
During the period, police seized more than 542 kilograms of contraband substances and Rs 27,52,976 in cash in connection with narcotics-related cases, according to the district police.
Police said 20 properties worth around Rs 20 crore, allegedly linked to proceeds from narcotics activities, were demolished after due legal process. A further 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances were destroyed during disposal drives carried out in accordance with legal procedures.
Illegal cultivation of narcotic crops spread over 305 marlas of land was also destroyed, while more than 271 marlas of government land allegedly encroached upon by drug peddlers were retrieved, police said.
The enforcement action also included the arrest of female drug peddlers and 13 female cultivators. Eight government employees were found involved in drug-related cases and legal action was initiated against them, police said.
Sixteen alleged drug peddlers were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act. Police also cancelled 28 driving licences and 22 Registration Certificates (RCs) in connection with narcotics-related offences.
Police conducted 295 Narco-CASOs across the district to check the movement and supply of narcotics. Joint inspections were also carried out at 220 medical shops, during which 19 violations were detected and legal action initiated.
To strengthen investigation and enforcement, 213 Investigation Officers handling NDPS cases were trained at District Police Office Anantnag on legal procedures and evidence handling.
Police appealed to the public, particularly young people, to cooperate in identifying and reporting drug-related activities, reiterating its commitment to tackling narcotics trafficking and abuse.
