In a determined push to eliminate drug trafficking from Jammu and Kashmir, the Udhampur district police have made significant strides in the past five months. Demonstrating zero tolerance for narcotic crimes, authorities have arrested 62 individuals involved in drug smuggling and peddling, while confiscating contraband valued at over ₹2 crore, reported by Daily Excelsior.
44 NDPS Cases Registered as Police Launch Anti-Drug Offensive
According to an official spokesperson, Udhampur police registered 44 criminal cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Public Safety Act (PSA) during this operation. The crackdown led to the arrest of 62 accused individuals, reinforcing the district’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics in the region.
Vehicles and Pharmacies Targeted in Drug Supply Network
The anti-drug initiative wasn’t limited to arrests. Law enforcement also seized 16 vehicles used in drug trafficking, demonstrating a targeted effort to dismantle logistical networks of smuggling operations. Additionally, four pharmacy shops were shut down for violating regulations pertaining to Schedule H1 drugs, further closing loopholes that might enable access to prescription narcotics.
₹2.07 Crore Worth of Contraband Seized
In the last five months alone, the Udhampur police have confiscated narcotic substances worth ₹2.07 crore. This massive haul signifies the scale at which drugs were being trafficked within the district and reflects the police’s intensified surveillance and enforcement strategy.
Drug Peddlers’ Financial Networks Disrupted
A major development in this crackdown involved freezing 35 bank accounts linked to drug peddlers. These accounts collectively held ₹16.70 lakh, all of which have now been frozen by the authorities. Targeting the financial backbone of these criminals is a strategic move to disrupt the economic incentives behind narcotic trafficking.
Properties Worth ₹4.19 Crore Attached in NDPS and Cattle Smuggling Cases
Beyond narcotics, Udhampur police expanded their campaign by attaching illegal properties worth ₹4.19 crore in cases connected to both drug peddling and cattle smuggling. This demonstrates a holistic law enforcement approach, taking action against all forms of organized illegal trade in the region.
Convictions Secured: 27 Drug Peddlers Brought to Justice
Police action has extended beyond arrests and seizures. The authorities have successfully secured court convictions against 27 drug peddlers in 20 separate cases, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring legal consequences for those involved in the drug trade.
Public Safety Strengthened Through Stringent Legal Action
The series of NDPS and PSA cases filed and the subsequent court convictions not only disrupted existing drug networks but also delivered a strong message of deterrence. The closure of pharmacy shops and the seizure of logistics and financial assets underscore a multi-pronged enforcement approach to improve public safety and reduce drug abuse.
Officials have indicated that community awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate youth and vulnerable groups about the dangers of drug addiction. These preventive measures are critical in addressing demand-side challenges alongside supply-chain crackdowns.
The recent anti-drug operations in Udhampur district mark a robust enforcement campaign that combines legal, financial, and community-oriented strategies to fight drug trafficking. By seizing narcotics worth over ₹2 crore, arresting 62 offenders, freezing accounts, and securing court convictions, J&K Police have showcased an effective model for narcotics control that other districts and states can emulate.
