SRINAGAR: The illegal drug and narcotics crisis continues to be a pressing issue in Jammu and Kashmir, with profound health, social, and economic implications that affect individuals, families, and the wider community. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating this menace through a coordinated, multi-pronged approach focused on prevention, enforcement, treatment, and rehabilitation, a DIPR statement issued on Tuesday said.
To strengthen its anti-drug initiatives, the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism, chaired by the Chief Secretary, regularly reviews ongoing measures against drug trafficking. During the 10th NCORD meeting, it was reiterated that the government is enforcing a “Zero Tolerance Policy” towards drug trafficking, with a strong focus on enhancing institutional structures, improving coordination among narcotic agencies, and launching extensive public awareness campaigns.
Law enforcement agencies, especially the Jammu Kashmir Police, have been instructed to adopt stringent measures, including intelligence sharing, efficient investigations, and targeting drug peddlers using the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) NIDAAN portal. Since 2023, significant progress has been made: over 3,190 drug-related cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 4,536 individuals involved in illegal narcotic activities. The authorities also invoked the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS) against drug kingpins, with 463 detention orders issued over the past 18 months.
The crackdown has resulted in substantial narcotic seizures. In 2023 alone, 29,306 kg of drugs and over 74,000 pharmaceutical units were destroyed. In the first half of 2024, 4,365 kg of drugs and 26,772 pharmaceuticals have already been incinerated following court orders.
One of the government’s primary concerns is the connection between narcotics and terrorism. Over the past 18 months, a robust crackdown on narco-terror networks has led to the arrest of 39 individuals across 19 cases. Law enforcement agencies have also been tasked with attaching properties involved in NDPS cases, with 43 cases resulting in the seizure of assets, including houses and vehicles worth Rs. 10.36 crores.
The NCORD has also emphasized the strict regulation of psychotropic substances through measures like the introduction of Computerized Billing Systems (CBS) and CCTV installations at all wholesale and retail drug markets. Moreover, the Excise Department and district authorities have been instructed to monitor the cultivation of contraband substances, leading to the destruction of illegal crops over 9,448 kanals of land in 2023.
The government is equally committed to taking strict action against any government employees found involved in drug trafficking, ensuring zero tolerance for such involvement.
Recognizing the importance of rehabilitation, the government has established several drug deaddiction centres, including four under the Social Welfare Department, 21 Health/Additional Treatment Facility centres, and 10 run by the JK Police. Since 2023, these centres have seen 14,180 outpatient treatments and 1,931 inpatient treatments, with continued efforts into 2024. Additionally, six private de-addiction centres operate within the UT, although they are closely monitored to ensure compliance with standards.
The DIAL 104 Call Centre and Tele-Manas helpline (14416) have been set up to provide telephonic counselling to those affected by substance abuse. The NCORD has also been closely monitoring the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), a flagship initiative aimed at educating the public on substance abuse. In 2023, over 19,000 awareness programs were conducted, and 940 Panchayats/Urban Local Bodies have been declared drug-free.
The government is also focused on integrating rehabilitation efforts with employment generation and skill development programs to ensure a long-term solution for those recovering from addiction.
Regular district-level NCORD meetings are held under the chairmanship of District Magistrates to ensure smooth coordination between different agencies tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse. In 2023, 193 such meetings were conducted.
The government, according to the statement, remains steadfast in its mission to curb drug-related crime, dismantle narcotic networks, and protect the community through a comprehensive approach that balances law enforcement, public awareness, and rehabilitation.
