Srinagar, July 1: Police in Anantnag on Wednesday said they registered 345 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 372 drug peddlers during the first six months of 2026 as part of an intensified campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse in the district.
Police said more than 440 kilograms of contraband were seized in multiple operations, while cash amounting to Rs 27.53 lakh, allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking, was recovered from the accused.
As part of the crackdown on assets generated through the drug trade, police attached properties worth around Rs 50 crore in 30 cases under relevant legal provisions. In addition, 20 illegal properties valued at nearly Rs 20 crore, allegedly created from proceeds of narcotics, were demolished.
Police also destroyed 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances after completion of legal formalities and eradicated illegal narcotic cultivation spread over more than 260 marlas of land. Over 260 marlas of government land were also retrieved from encroachment by alleged drug peddlers.
During the period, police arrested several women involved in narcotics-related offences, including female drug peddlers and seven women accused of illegal narcotic cultivation. Legal action was also initiated against seven government employees allegedly found involved in drug-related cases.
In preventive action, six alleged drug peddlers were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. Authorities also cancelled 24 driving licences and 16 vehicle registration certificates in connection with narcotics-related offences.
Police said 203 Narco-Cordon and Search Operations (Narco-CASOs) were conducted across the district to disrupt the movement and supply of narcotics.
To check the misuse of prescription drugs, police, in coordination with concerned departments, inspected 214 medical shops, detected 17 violations and initiated legal action against the violators.
Police further said 96 investigating officers dealing with NDPS cases were trained at the District Police Office, Anantnag, on legal procedures and evidence handling to strengthen narcotics investigations.
Reiterating its commitment to making the district drug-free, Jammu and Kashmir Police appealed to the public, particularly the youth, to assist law enforcement by reporting drug-related activities, saying community participation remains crucial in combating the drug menace.
