13% of JK’s population suffer drug addiction:Consignments arrive from Punjab Pakistan; 100-day campaign initiated to destroy drug mafia

After Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a new hub for drugs. According to government estimates, out of the state’s 1.3 crore population, about 13.5 lakh people, more than 13%, are affected by drugs. In 2022, this figure was around 6 lakh. Officials say that along with terrorism, the drug network has now emerged as a major challenge. DGP Nalin Prabhat has also described Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the narcotics network as a major threat. In view of this, the government has launched a 100-day anti-drug campaign. So far, more than 1 crore people have joined it. Mohammad Amin from South Kashmir says that his son wanted to become a lawyer, but addiction, which started with cigarettes in school, gradually reached hashish and heroin. Later, he even started selling household items to buy drugs. Adil Bhat, who has recovered from drug addiction, says that organized gangs are working behind this, whose links are connected to dealers in Punjab. Narcotics are reaching Jammu and Kashmir through the border areas. 165 Hotspots Identified, 704 FIRs Registered Along with awareness campaigns, law enforcement agencies have intensified action against drug networks. 704 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act. The administration has identified 165 such areas where drug trafficking is high, so that special surveillance can be maintained there. IDs of People Involved in Drug Trafficking Cancelled