Jammu Administration Razes Buildings of Suspected Drug Peddlers in Intensified Crackdown | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu district administration on Saturday demolished multiple allegedly illegal structures, including residential buildings linked to suspected drug peddlers, as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics and land encroachment, while police in Kathua arrested a person with heroin, officials said.

In Jammu city, the demolition drive was carried out in Narwal Bala village of Bahu tehsil on the directions of District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas, in coordination with Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh. Officials said eight allegedly illegal structures belonging to individuals facing multiple cases under the NDPS Act were razed after repeated warnings failed to deter them from what the administration described as continued involvement in the illegal sale and purchase of narcotic substances.

The action was conducted under the supervision of SDM Jammu South Manu Hansa and SP City South Ajay Sharma, with senior revenue and police officers present on the ground. Authorities reiterated that no illegal construction or encroachment would be tolerated and warned of strict legal action against those involved in NDPS-related offences and other violations.

In Rajiv Nagar, various structures, including three triple-storey buildings and a shop, were pulled down. Officials said the properties, with an estimated market value of around Rs 10 crore, were allegedly constructed using proceeds from drug trafficking. The owners, identified by officials, are facing NDPS cases, and the action was taken after repeated warnings, they said.

Police officials said the demolitions were aimed at dismantling the infrastructure that supports the drug trade and sending a strong deterrent message. They added that similar drives would continue if individuals were found involved in drug peddling or related unlawful activities. Some affected residents, however, claimed that their properties were demolished despite their denial of any involvement in the drug trade.

Authorities also underlined that aggressive operations are being carried out across Jammu and Kashmir against drug smugglers, peddlers, hawala networks and other allegedly illegal financial activities, which, they said, are believed to generate funds that sustain terrorism. While police and security agencies focus on operations in the hinterland, the Army and the BSF continue efforts to check infiltration, drug smuggling and drone activity along the borders.