SRINAGAR, May 13 (Agencies): Srinagar Police has registered 101 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and arrested 143 persons involved in drug peddling and narcotics-related activities across the district this year, as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Dr G V Sundeep Chakraborty, told this correspondent that the police have launched a multi-pronged strategy targeting drug peddlers, illegal narcotics networks and awareness generation to protect the youth from the menace of drugs. During the crackdown, police seized narcotics and cash worth Rs 4,13,000 linked to drug trafficking operations, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the financial networks of drug peddlers operating in Srinagar.
“Under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police is committed to rooting out the drug menace from society. We are not only arresting drug peddlers but also targeting the infrastructure and financial ecosystem supporting the narcotics trade,” Dr Chakraborty said.
Authorities have frozen 42 bank accounts suspected to be linked with drug proceeds. In addition, police attached four movable properties and identified or attached 11 immovable properties connected to narcotics trafficking. One passport was also impounded to restrict the movement of an individual allegedly involved in drug-related activities.
Highlighting the focus on vulnerable sections of society, particularly students and youth, Dr Chakraborty said Srinagar Police arrested 14 drug peddlers operating in the vicinity of educational institutions. “We are paying special attention to areas around schools and colleges to ensure that educational spaces remain free from the influence of drugs and criminal elements,” he said.
The crackdown also extended to the illegal sale and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. Police conducted inspections and took legal action against medical establishments violating norms, resulting in the seizure of 15 chemist and medical shops involved in unlawful activities related to narcotic substances.
Apart from enforcement measures, Srinagar Police intensified public outreach and awareness programmes to educate people about the harmful effects of drug addiction. Police organised 210 awareness programmes across Srinagar involving students, parents, civil society members, religious leaders and local communities. Dr Chakraborty said the response from the public has been encouraging and stressed that community participation remains essential in eliminating the drug menace.
He appealed to families, teachers, religious leaders and citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activities related to narcotics in their localities. “The fight against drugs cannot be won by police alone. Society as a whole has to stand united against this threat to our younger generation,” he said. The SSP reiterated that Srinagar Police will continue its aggressive anti-drug operations and awareness initiatives in the coming months to ensure a safer and drug-free society.