‘Over 730 drug smugglers arrested, property worth crores seized’

Kupwara, May 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday said that over 730 persons involved in drug smuggling had been arrested across Jammu and Kashmir during the last month as part of the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan.

LG Sinha said that drug trafficking and terrorism were interlinked and were functioning as “two heads of the same snake”.

Addressing a gathering during the NashaMukt Jammu and Kashmir Padyatra in this frontier district, he said that narcotics money was being pushed to sustain terror activities, making the fight against drugs a critical security priority.

“The sustained crackdown over the past 32 days has dealt a significant blow to the drug network, with properties worth crores seized, assets confiscated and passports of fifteen drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. The NashaMukt campaign has now transformed into a mass movement with people from different walks of life are actively participating in the initiative across Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG said.

Accusing Pakistan of financing terrorism in J&K through cross-border drug smuggling, he said that terror groups rely on narcotics trade as their financial lifeline.

“Dismantling this network will certainly weaken the terror infrastructure operating in the region,” LG Sinha said.

Referring to the ongoing crackdown against drug smugglers, he said that 28 in Kupwara and Handwara had already been nabbed.

He directed Police, border guarding forces, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to intensify operations so that the aim of drug free society could be achieved.

The LG directed all police stations in the district to identify active peddlers and ensure strict action within the next 68 days of the NashaMuktAbhiyan.

He urged people to support the campaign and encourage those struggling with addiction to seek treatment.

LG Sinha said that the addicts happen to be victims who need rehabilitation and care.

He directed the officials to act promptly on inputs received through the Manas portal and helpline services.

The LG asserted that people across Jammu and Kashmir stand firmly behind strict action against drug networks.

Recalling his interaction with women in Dardpora during his previous visit to the district, he said they narrated how drug money funded weapons used against their families, reinforcing the link between narcotics and terrorism.

LG Sinha warned that the crackdown on narco-terror networks would be intensified further in the coming days.