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Key Points

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched a major anti-narcotics operation across South Kashmir. The Excise Department and police are destroying wild cannabis plantations along the vital Jammu-Srinagar Highway. This comes after recent NCB raids uncovered a sophisticated drug smuggling network in the region. Authorities are particularly targeting areas from Bijbehara to Sangam where drug hotspots have been identified.

Key Points: J-K Police Excise Department Launch South Kashmir Anti-Narcotics Drive

  • Joint operation targets cannabis cultivation along strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
  • Authorities focus on drug hotspots between Bijbehara and Sangam areas
  • Drive follows July NCB bust that seized 39kg poppy straw
  • Investigation reveals former militant involvement in narcotics network
2 min read

J-K: Anti-narcotics drive launched across South Kashmir

J-K authorities destroy 350 kanals of wild cannabis in South Kashmir along Jammu-Srinagar Highway as part of intensified anti-drug operations targeting smuggling networks.

"We have destroyed around 350 kanals of wild cannabis... The efforts include cleaning hotspots along the highway from Bijbehara to Sangam and beyond - Mohammad Amin Bhat, Excise Department J&K"

Kulgam, October 5

The Excise Department, along with Jammu & Kashmir Police, has launched an anti-narcotics (cannabis destruction) drive across several areas of South Kashmir along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to eradicate the menace of drugs.

Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 5 (ANI): The Excise Department, along with Jammu & Kashmir Police, has launched an anti-narcotics (cannabis destruction) drive across several areas of South Kashmir along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to eradicate the menace of drugs.

Excise Department J&K official Mohammad Amin Bhat told ANI on Saturday, "We have destroyed around 350 kanals of wild cannabis... The efforts include cleaning hotspots along the highway from Bijbehara to Sangam and beyond..."

In July, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Srinagar Zone uncovered a major drug smuggling racket in south Kashmir, along with the arrest of two individuals, including a former militant and the seizure of 39 kilograms of poppy straw, as per an official statement.

According to officials, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs and carried out in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district on July 8 and 9.

During the initial raid, NCB teams recovered approximately 28 kilograms of poppy straw. Further questioning led to the recovery of an additional 11 kilograms from the residence of Shabir on July 9. Investigations revealed that Shabir is a former member of the banned outfit Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and had been arrested earlier in 1996 on charge of terror-related activities, before he was released in 2004.

Amin, the second accused, also has a history of involvement in narcotics-related crimes. He was previously booked in two NDPS cases: one in 2017 at Police Station Indaura in Himachal Pradesh, and another in Anantnag's Srigufwara area involving the seizure of 523 kilograms of poppy straw. He is currently out on bail in both cases.

NCB officials said that preliminary findings point to a well-organised narcotics network that sources contraband from local poppy cultivators and transports it across states using illegal routes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative but why only focus on cannabis destruction? The article mentions poppy straw seizures too - they should target all drug sources equally. The connection with former militants is worrying.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Jammu, I've seen how drug menace spreads from Kashmir to other regions. This highway cleaning operation is crucial for entire J&K. Kudos to the police and excise department! 💪
S
Sarah B
Concerned about the repeat offenders being out on bail. The judicial system needs to be stricter with drug peddlers, especially those with terror links. Prevention is good but punishment should be stronger.
M
Meera T
This is a welcome step! Many families in South Kashmir have been suffering due to drug addiction among youth. Hope this brings some relief to parents and helps rehabilitate affected youth.
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David E
While I support anti-drug efforts, I hope they're also focusing on rehabilitation programs. Simply destroying crops and arresting people won't solve the root problem - we need education and job opportunities for youth.

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