The Director General of Jammu and Kashmir has elaborated on how Pakistan is following the Punjab model to lure youth in Jammu and Kashmir towards drugs. He mentioned that as militancy is decreasing in Jammu and Kashmir, there are efforts from across the border to get the youth involved in drug use, similar to what happened in Punjab after terrorism ended there. 8000 kg of drugs had been destroyed, 2000 cases registered, and around 3000 individuals arrested under the NDPS Act in the past year. All these are testimony to what the DGP has said. The drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action. The region has become a hub for narco smuggling and drug abuse. Pakistan’s role as the main international supplier and the porous Indo-Pak border facilitates unabated trans-border drug smuggling. New methods like drones, tunnels, school- or college-going children, and housewives as conduits are now being used for smuggling. The types of drugs involved are varied, ranging from heroin, opium, and cannabis to medical opiates like cough syrup and neurotoxic tablets.
Despite the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, the problem hasn’t received the necessary attention from investigators and prosecutors, resulting in a high number of acquittals in drug-related cases. The lack of proper FSL also hinders effective investigation. Installing full truck scanners along the highways is a crucial step to address the issue. Cutting off cross-border drug supply routes and investigating trade routes used for smuggling are the necessary steps to address the problem at its roots. The onus lies with the Jammu and Kashmir Police to put in extra efforts to tackle the issue effectively. Strong punishments for offenders and suppliers, along with holding erring officials accountable, can act as deterrents against drug-related crimes. It requires a coordinated effort from the Government, law enforcement agencies, and society as a whole to weed out this dangerous problem.
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