Suhail Rather

Baramulla, Jan 6(KNS): Drug abuse has emerged as the biggest challenge in Jammu and Kashmir after terrorism, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range (NKR), Maqsood Ul Zamaan said on Tuesday, asserting that police are taking sustained and strong action to curb the menace.

Speaking to reporters here, the DIG said police in North Kashmir have made significant progress against drug trafficking, with large quantities of narcotic substances recovered and several people arrested in recent months.

He said many of the accused involved in drug-related offences have also been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.

“The J&K Police cannot fight this battle alone. Public cooperation is crucial. Without the support of common people, achieving the desired success against drugs is not possible,” Ul Zamaan said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The DIG said police have also begun attaching and seizing properties of drug traffickers as part of efforts to dismantle the entire network and cut off financial links.

Responding to a question on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), Zamaan said such tools are often misused to conceal illegal activities and that their misuse is being closely monitored as it could pose a threat to national security.

On infiltration attempts in North Kashmir, the DIG said the region being a border area remains sensitive, but security agencies have put robust arrangements in place.

“The situation is under constant surveillance, and security forces are fully alert,” he said.

Zamaan reiterated that police would continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking while simultaneously seeking cooperation from the public to address the problem effectively.(KNS).