Baramulla, July 16: In a massive crackdown on narco terror, Baramulla police on Sunday claimed to have arrested 318 drug peddlers and seized substantial quantities of narcotics at various locations spanning from Uri along the Line of Control (LoC) to other parts of Baramulla district over the past few months.
According to the police, Pakistan-based handlers have been orchestrating a conspiracy to exploit smugglers in order to infiltrate drugs into Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to entrap the younger generation in addiction.
"The challenges posed by cross-border drugs and weapons smuggling are substantial in Baramulla, being a border district," stated Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpuri.
He further added, "During the last six months, Baramulla police have registered 187 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act."
"Out of the total, 284 drug peddlers have been apprehended, while 34 notorious peddlers have been booked under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) and the Public Safety Act (PSA)."
He said that the total tally of arrested drug peddlers has reached 318, and legal proceedings are underway.
"Our primary objective in this operation is to eradicate the drug culture from Baramulla district and transform it into a drug-free zone," the SSP Baramulla affirmed.
The SSP highlighted Pakistan's intentions to proliferate drug trade throughout the Kashmir Valley, vowing to thwart their nefarious designs.
In a recent development, Baramulla police has frozen the assets, including a house and a car, belonging to notorious drug dealers.
To counter the drug mafia operating in the region, the SSP Baramulla disclosed the deployment of specialized teams tasked with gathering crucial intelligence.
Recognizing the urgent need to combat the surge in drug-related crimes, the SSP outlined the proactive measures being taken by the Baramulla Police to address the drug trade in the district.
"We encourage citizens to come forward with any information regarding drug peddlers or suspicious activities related to narcotics. Together, we can create a safer environment free from drugs for our residents," stated the SSP.
"The dedicated teams deployed by the Baramulla Police consist of experienced officers and undercover agents, whose discreet operations focus on gathering intelligence on the operations, networks, and supply chains of the drug mafia."
"By infiltrating these criminal networks, the teams aim to obtain substantial evidence to facilitate effective crackdowns and bring the culprits to justice. Local residents have praised the steps taken by the Baramulla police," the SSP said.