Jammu Police Unleashes Vigorous Campaign Against Drug Mafia, Targets 14 ‘Drug Hot Spots’ with 85 Raids and 85 Arrests
- SSP Vinod Kumar spearheads Jammu police’s crackdown on drug mafia, targeting 14 identified ‘drug hot spots’ in the city.
- Police register 71 cases under NDPS Act and arrest 85 drug peddlers, seizing large quantities of contraband substances, primarily heroin, this year.
- Thirteen notorious drug peddlers booked under PIT NDPS Act in the past three months, showcasing a stringent approach towards drug-related offenses.
- Police have attached three properties belonging to notorious drug peddlers, with further similar actions planned against others involved in drug trafficking.
- Efforts include creating awareness, rehabilitation of drug-addicted youth, and opening a state-of-the-art drug rehabilitation centre, with strict action promised against any police personnel involved in drug peddling.
Mohit Mehra
Jammu, April 7: With a firm commitment to eradicate the drug mafia plaguing the streets of Jammu, the city’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vinod Kumar revealed significant strides in curbing drug-related crimes. Highlighting the relentless efforts, The SSP disclosed that 71 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered, leading to the arrest of 85 peddlers and confiscation of substantial quantities of contraband substances, particularly heroin, this year alone.
Emphasizing proactive measures, SSP Vinod Kumar stated, “We have identified 14 locations as drug hot spots in the city and conducted 85 raids, bolstering manpower presence and augmenting surveillance by district special branch officials.” Notably, 13 notorious drug peddlers were apprehended under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act in the past three months, a significant increase from the preceding year.
In a bid to combat the drug epidemic comprehensively, Jammu Police has adopted a two-pronged strategy focusing on awareness campaigns and rehabilitation of drug-addicted youth, treating them as victims rather than offenders. “The inauguration of a state-of-the-art drug rehabilitation centre equipped with qualified staff underscores our commitment to rehabilitation,” The SSP affirmed.
Seeking active cooperation from the public, Kumar assured strict action against any police personnel found complicit in drug peddling. He further informed that police have cracked down on the assets of notorious drug peddlers, attaching three properties, with similar actions planned against others involved in the illicit trade. In total, the police have dismantled the networks associated with 27 cases so far.
While investigations have not revealed direct cross-border links to narcotic smuggling, Jammu Police remains vigilant, particularly monitoring former Over Ground Workers to prevent their involvement in narco-terrorism. Contrary to assumptions, most arrests were made from public transport, dispelling misconceptions about luxurious vehicle use by drug smugglers.
With the Lok Sabha polls underway, specialized teams have been deployed, bolstering checkpoint security to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Under SSP Vinod Kumar’s steadfast leadership, Jammu Police remains resolute in its mission to cleanse the city of the drug menace, safeguarding the youth and communities from its harmful grip.
