Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 3: In a major crackdown on narcotics-related crimes, police in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday booked two habitual drug offenders under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, 1988.
According to a police statement, the action was taken as part of the district police's sustained campaign against drug trafficking and repeat narcotics offenders.
The detained individuals have been identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar, son of Ali Mohammad Dar, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama, and Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Habib Ullah Sheikh, a resident of Bongam Hanji Mohalla in Kakapora.
Police said both are repeat offenders and have been involved in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Kakapora.
Considering their continued involvement in narcotics-related activities and to prevent them from engaging in further drug trafficking, detention orders were issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, under the PIT-NDPS Act.
Following the execution of the orders, both detenues have been shifted to Central Jail Kot Bhalwal in Jammu.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, Pulwama police said stringent legal and preventive action would continue against drug peddlers and all those involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
Police also appealed to the public to support anti-drug efforts by sharing credible information about drug trafficking to help build a drug-free society.
Authorities said action against drug smugglers in Jammu and Kashmir includes attachment of immovable properties acquired through proceeds of the narcotics trade, imprisonment, preventive detention, and cancellation of passports, Aadhaar cards and driving licences.
During the recently concluded 100-day 'Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan', more than 2,300 FIRs were registered against drug networks and traffickers across the Union Territory. Over 2,600 people were arrested, while security forces seized around 1,500 kg of narcotics.
In addition, 331 properties belonging to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers, valued at nearly Rs 200 crore, were attached. Authorities also cancelled more than 370 driving licences and 750 vehicle registrations, besides recommending the cancellation of nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards linked to offenders.