Once renowned for its rich heritage of knowledge, literature, and pristine waters, Bandipora has been grappling with an alarming rise in drug addiction in recent years.
Responding to this growing crisis, the Bandipora Police have intensified their efforts to curb the menace, earning widespread appreciation from the local community.
In 2024, authorities registered 72 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 91 individuals.
Among these, 13 hard-core offenders were booked under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS) and the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Locals said these arrests signify the Police’s resolve to fight drug abuse, highlighting a no-tolerance approach toward those exploiting the younger generation by pushing them into drug addiction.
Officials said Seizures during these operations included contraband worth lakhs in the black market—2.556 kilograms of charas, 21.494 kilograms of charas powder, 14.4 kilograms of poppy straw, and 24 grams of brown sugar.
Prescription drugs such as Tramadol and Clonazepam, along with over 3,000 tablets and 59 bottles of codeine, were also confiscated.
Furthermore, properties linked to drug peddlers, including two houses, four vehicles, and bank accounts holding over ? 5 lakh, were seized, sending a strong message of accountability.
Dr Umair Qyoom, a medical officer at the Drug De-Addiction Centre, reported a concerning rise in Hepatitis C cases due to needle sharing among drug users. The centre has also provided counselling services to over 10,000 individuals this year.
Local residents have commended the police for their relentless efforts. “The Bandipora Police have shown an extraordinary commitment to safeguarding our community,” said Aarif Ahmad, a resident. “Their actions are not just about enforcement but about saving lives and futures. We now see hope for a better tomorrow.”
Police teams have also been proactive in destroying poppy and bhang cultivation on 14 kanals of land and wild cannabis spread over 666 kanals, reflecting a well-rounded approach to eradicating the drug supply chain.
Civil Society members told KNS that while the challenge remains daunting, the Bandipora Police’s determined crackdown has infused a sense of optimism among locals to fight this war together as it concerned every person in the society.
“Police’s consistent and strategic efforts underscore a resolve to restore Bandipora’s legacy as a hub of knowledge and culture,” they added. (KNS)
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