Police intensify anti-drug campaign in Ramban, notorious peddler arrested in Banihal

Banihal, June 03: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Arun Gupta, on Wednesday visited Banihal and congratulated the local police team for arresting a notorious drug peddler in what officials described as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-drug campaign across Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference at the SDPO office Banihal along with SDPO Banihal Surinder Singh Biloria and SHO Banihal Ashiq Hussain Lone , SSP Arun Gupta said Ramban Police has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and related criminal networks as part of the anti-drug campaign launched across the Union Territory under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor.

The SSP Ramban Arun Gupta said Banihal Police recently arrested a notorious drug peddler, identified as Arif Javed, son of Javed Iqbal Malik  a resident of , Banihal town, who was allegedly caught red-handed with contraband substances. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had been actively involved in drug trafficking for a considerable period and was operating through an organised network engaged in the procurement and distribution of narcotics.

Gupta said police are investigating both the backward and forward links of the network to identify other individuals involved in the illegal trade. He added that the accused’s assets are being assessed and legal proceedings, including attachment of property under relevant provisions of law, will be initiated wherever applicable.

“The objective is not only to arrest individual peddlers but also to dismantle the entire network behind the drug trade,” the SSP said, adding that efforts are underway to identify and act against the larger syndicate connected with narcotics trafficking.

Highlighting the role of public cooperation, police officials said community participation has become a key factor in the success of anti-drug operations. They noted that initiatives such as Thana Diwas and public outreach programmes have helped bridge communication gaps between law enforcement agencies and citizens, leading to a steady flow of information from the public.

The SSP appealed to community-based organisations, particularly Women’s Vigilance and Safety Committees functioning at ward and panchayat levels, to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Providing details of enforcement measures, officials said the number of FIRs registered in drug-related cases in Ramban district has already reached nearly three times the figure recorded during the corresponding period last year. The number is expected to increase further as investigations continue and more operations are launched.

Police officials said that recent directives issued by the Lieutenant Governor and the Home Department, including provisions under SRO-240, have strengthened the anti-drug campaign by enabling stringent action against drug peddlers and their facilitators. These measures include cancellation of driving licences, vehicle registrations, passports, gun licences and other legal penalties under the law.

The SSP also announced that a dedicated anti-drug helpline has been established and will soon be publicised through social media and other communication platforms. Citizens were urged to share information about drug trafficking without fear, with police assuring complete confidentiality of informants’ identities.

Reiterating the department’s commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs from society, Gupta said Ramban Police will continue to pursue an aggressive campaign against drug peddlers and all those involved in narcotics-related activities across the district.