11 driving licences suspended in anti-drug crackdown in Shopian

Authorities in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have stepped up action against drug trafficking and illegal poppy cultivation, suspending 11 driving licences and blacklisting a vehicle as part of a broader enforcement drive.

Officials said the licences were cancelled by the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) after the holders were found involved in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act across various police stations in the district.

In a related action, the registration certificate of a vehicle allegedly used in drug-related activities was also suspended, with further legal proceedings underway. The measures come amid intensified efforts under the government’s anti-drug campaign, with the district administration adopting what it described as a zero-tolerance approach to narcotics.

Meanwhile, joint teams of officials from the revenue department, police and other agencies conducted poppy destruction drives in several areas, including Shadab Karewa, Zawoora, Pinjora and Ganowpora. During the operations, authorities identified and destroyed patches of illegally cultivated poppy on the spot. Police have registered eight FIRs against individuals allegedly involved in the cultivation.

Officials said surveillance and coordinated enforcement drives would continue in the coming days. “Residents have been urged to avoid involvement in illegal cultivation and to share information with authorities to help curb the menace”, said an official.

He said that the administration has also advised farmers to shift to lawful and sustainable agricultural practices, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators.