Over 597 Kg Narcotics Seized, 2,000 Kg Contraband Destroyed; Properties Worth ₹63 Crore Attached, 20 Illegal Assets Demolished

305 Marlas of Illegal Poppy Cultivation Destroyed; 17 Drug Peddlers Detained Under PIT-NDPS, 300 Narco-CASOs Conducted Across District

Anantnag, November 1 (KNC): Anantnag Police has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities, registering 525 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arresting 602 alleged drug peddlers during the first ten months of 2026.

According to an official police statement, the sustained anti-narcotics drive has resulted in the seizure of more than 597 kilograms of contraband substances and recovery of ₹27,64,276 in cash from individuals allegedly involved in drug-related activities.

In a major crackdown on properties allegedly acquired through proceeds of narcotics trafficking, police attached assets worth approximately ₹63 crore in 43 cases under relevant legal provisions. Additionally, 20 illegal properties valued at around ₹20 crore, reportedly linked to drug proceeds, were demolished.

As part of its disposal and destruction campaign, Anantnag Police destroyed approximately 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances after completing the requisite legal formalities. Illegal narcotic cultivation spread over 305 marlas of land was also identified and destroyed.

Police further retrieved more than 271 marlas of government land allegedly encroached upon by drug peddlers.

The enforcement drive also covered women allegedly involved in narcotics-related activities, with female drug peddlers and 13 female cultivators arrested during the period. Eight government employees were also found involved in drug-related cases, against whom legal action was initiated.

Under preventive provisions of law, 17 alleged drug peddlers were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. Police also cancelled 28 driving licences and 22 vehicle Registration Certificates (RCs) in connection with narcotics-related offences.

To dismantle the supply networks and identify those involved in drug trafficking, Anantnag Police conducted 300 special Narco-CASOs across different areas of the district.

In another enforcement measure aimed at preventing the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, police, in coordination with concerned departments, inspected 23 medical shops. Violations were detected at all 23 establishments, following which legal action was initiated.

Meanwhile, strengthening investigation capabilities, 220 Investigation Officers dealing with NDPS cases were imparted specialised training at District Police Office (DPO) Anantnag. The training focused on legal procedures, investigation standards and proper handling of evidence in narcotics-related cases.

Reiterating its commitment to making Anantnag drug-free, police appealed to the general public, particularly youth, parents and community members, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report information regarding drug trafficking, cultivation and substance abuse.

Police emphasised that public participation and collective responsibility are essential to dismantling the drug network and protecting the younger generation from the growing threat of narcotics.

Anantnag Police said its anti-drug campaign will continue with a firm focus on eliminating drug trafficking networks and safeguarding society from the menace of substance abuse. (KNC)