In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have booked two individuals under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. Additionally, seven other suspects were arrested in coordinated operations across four districts, with small quantities of heroin recovered from their possession.
Arrests and Seizures Across Districts
The arrests were carried out in Doda, Rajouri, Samba, and Reasi districts. In Doda, three drug peddlers were apprehended, while two were arrested in Rajouri. One each was taken into custody in Samba and Reasi. According to police officials, the operations were based on specific intelligence inputs about local drug networks.
Small amounts of heroin were recovered from each of the accused. While the exact quantities were not disclosed, officials confirmed that the seizures were sufficient to initiate legal proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
PIT-NDPS Act Invoked Against Repeat Offenders
The two individuals booked under the PIT-NDPS Act are believed to be repeat offenders with prior involvement in drug peddling. The act allows for preventive detention for up to one year without trial, aimed at disrupting habitual traffickers. A senior police officer stated, "The PIT-NDPS Act is a powerful tool to detain those who pose a continued threat to society through drug trafficking. We are committed to using all legal measures to curb this menace."
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Crackdown
Police have launched a detailed investigation to trace the supply chain and identify larger networks behind these peddlers. Preliminary inquiries suggest links to cross-border smuggling routes, though no concrete evidence has been released. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug trade.
This operation is part of a broader crackdown on narcotics in Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen increased police vigilance in recent months. In 2025, over 200 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in the region, with more than 300 arrests made. The current arrests underscore the ongoing efforts to dismantle local drug distribution channels.
