‘Narcotics trade more challenging due to Pak’s involvement’
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Mar 14: Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain today affirmed that the police will take on the menace of drugs in Jammu and Kashmir like terrorism.
Speaking at the inauguration of a drug de-addiction, rehabilitation, and mental health care center in Channi Himmat area here, the DGP outlined a strategy reminiscent of counter-terrorism efforts.
“To control terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, we identified the individuals facilitating militancy, providing financing, training, and refuge to the youth,” stated Swain, adding, “post identification of such people, we proceeded against them legally by attaching and demolishing their properties besides booking them under the relevant laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
“Adopting a similar approach, we will identify drug dealers and those profiting from this illegal business and proceed against them legally under the relevant laws of the land,” he said, adding that in the recent past, police have already attached or demolished various properties belonging to such individuals, who are involved in the organised crime.
The top cop said the growing menace of drugs, particularly the transition from the limited and home grown cannabis to harder substances like brown sugar and heroin, poses a significant challenge.
He attributed this shift to external sources, notably Pakistan, which complicates policing efforts.
“The entry of drugs from Pakistan via the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) presents a formidable challenge,” acknowledged the DGP.
Despite these obstacles, he expressed confidence in overcoming the menace through proactive measures targeting both the supply and demand sides of the trade.
On the supply side, Swain highlighted coercive actions against dealers and organized crime syndicates.
“Arrests and property seizures are underway, but we must also address the demand side,” he emphasized. He also proposed de-incentivizing the drug trade to disrupt its profitability.
Regarding rehabilitation efforts, DGP Swain acknowledged the existing facilities’ limitations.
“While police operate 10 de-addiction centers in Jammu province some private players also run such centers but the existing number is far less than the number of addicts,” he said, while stressing on the need for additional resources to aid victims of drug addiction.
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