Drug peddlers don’t deserve social acceptance: SSP Kupwara

Kupwara, Jul 9: Amid growing concern over the rise of drug abuse in north Kashmir, particularly in frontier districts like Kupwara, the police have intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara, Ghulam Jeelani Wani, while exclusively talking to Greater Kashmir mentioned about the scale of the issue, the steps being taken on the ground, and the crucial role the public must play in ending this menace.

While giving details, SSP said that the situation was indeed serious, stating that this year alone, they have registered 52 FIRs related to drug peddling, while 70 individuals have been detained, including two women; one from Kulgam and one from Tangdar. He said that the contraband worth crores was also recovered from drug peddlers which speaks about how deeply entrenched the network has become in the region.

To a question about the involvement of government employees in drug peddling, SSP said that since 2023, Police in Kupwara have booked 37 government employees, including police personnel, under the NDPS Act. “It’s disheartening, no doubt, when the very people responsible for enforcing the law are found violating it. But we are very clear in our stand; no one is above the law,” he said.

About property seizure in border town Karnah, SSP said that they have recently seized two properties in Karnah that were directly linked to drug trafficking. “This was the first time such an action was taken in the border town of Karnah. The impact was immediate; we noticed a decline in drug peddling in that area soon after. When you target their financial assets, it creates serious pressure on the network. These steps are vital to show that crime has real consequences,” SSP Wani said.

While talking about the cooperation from common people, the District Police Chief said, “People are cooperating, and we’re thankful for that. But the response could be stronger. What concerns me is that many people hesitate to speak up, even when they know who the peddlers are. The reason could be that these individuals maintain a certain social image. They host community meals, invite religious figures, and try to present themselves as respectable citizens. But let’s be honest; no amount of social activity can wash away the damage they have done to our youth,” he added. “Social boycott is essential. Don’t treat these people like honourable members of the community. Don’t invite them to family functions or gatherings. Society must send a clear message: drug peddlers do not deserve social acceptance. That kind of isolation will speak louder than any court verdict,” he added.

SSP said that once they arrest a drug peddler, certain individuals immediately begin lobbying for their release. “We have received some reports that some of them even engage in money laundering and approach the families of the accused with false assurances. They are misled into believing release is just a matter of influence. I want to make this very clear; anyone trying to interfere in these investigations will face strict legal action,” he said.

To a question about the role of parents of drug addicts, he said, “We often have parents coming to us, desperate for help. They say, please arrest their son. We understand their pain. But when we ask them who introduced their child to drugs, most of them go silent. That silence protects the real culprits. If families really want to break the cycle, they must be brave enough to name the ones responsible,” said SSP Jeelani.

“I want to assure everyone that we will protect your identity. If someone provides genuine, actionable information, especially about a key figure or kingpin, their name will be kept confidential, and they will be rewarded discreetly. We need people’s trust and courage; without them, this fight becomes much harder,” he added.

In a specific appeal to medical shop owners, he said that medical shop owners must remain alert. “There are certain prescription drugs being misused by addicts. Sometimes they purchase it without valid prescriptions. Pharmacists should report any suspicious purchases. They play a crucial role in early detection and prevention. If they are vigilant, they can help break the chain at the supply level,” he said. In his message to the people of Kupwara, SSP said, “This is not just a police issue; it’s a social crisis. Drug abuse is tearing families apart and putting our youth at risk. We, as police, are doing everything we can. But we need people to stand with us. Speak up. Break the silence. Don’t let fear protect the wrongdoers. If society joins hands, I have full faith we can defeat this menace together,” added the SSP.