J&K Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan: 1,018 peddlers held, 341 kg drugs seized in 50 days
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, 1 June reported that the first 50 days of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan have resulted in the arrest of 1,018 alleged drug peddlers, the seizure of 341 kilograms of narcotics, and action against drug-linked assets worth over ₹200 crore. Officials described the drive as one of the largest anti-narcotics offensives ever mounted in the union territory.
Scale of Arrests and Seizures
Between 11 April and 29 May, enforcement agencies registered 923 FIRs and arrested 1,018 persons on narcotics-related charges. The 341 kg of seized substances included 12 kg of heroin valued at nearly ₹120 crore, along with 23,752 units of psychotropic tablets and capsules. Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, an additional 55 individuals were detained as a preventive measure against habitual traffickers.
Financial Crackdown on the Narcotics Ecosystem
Authorities attached 89 immovable properties worth ₹63.93 crore and demolished 63 properties valued at ₹19.77 crore, bringing the total value of drug-linked assets targeted to over ₹83 crore. Separately, action was initiated against 120 chemists and druggists, with 118 licences suspended and 2 licences cancelled for alleged violations. Confiscation proceedings were also recommended against 124 passports linked to narcotics offences, while 668 driving licences and 13 vehicle registration certificates were suspended or cancelled.
Intelligence Operations and Surveillance
Intelligence-based operations ran in parallel, resulting in the identification of 3,045 suspected drug peddlers and smugglers, the examination of 386 suspects, and intensified monitoring of vulnerable areas. Police officials said the campaign is targeting the complete ecosystem sustaining the narcotics trade, including what they characterised as links to narco-terrorism and terror financing networks. According to officials, drug smuggling chains are being dismantled and financial channels disrupted through coordinated operations.
Awareness and Rehabilitation Efforts
The campaign extended well beyond enforcement. Over 16 lakh awareness programmes were conducted, reportedly reaching more than one crore people through educational institutions, community outreach, and public campaigns. De-addiction facilities catered to 58,603 patients, while hundreds underwent counselling and rehabilitation through centres run by health, police, and social welfare departments. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led anti-drug padyatras across Jammu and Kashmir, drawing widespread public participation.
What Comes Next
Officials warned that operations against drug smugglers and their support structures will continue in the coming months, with J&K Police and security forces maintaining aggressive action against hawala money networks that are believed to channel drug proceeds toward sustaining terrorism in the region. This campaign marks a significant escalation from previous anti-narcotics drives in J&K, both in scale and in its explicit targeting of financial and logistical networks.