Srinagar, Dec 30 (Reporter) In its relentless battle against drug abuse, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have made "significant strides" in the border districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora. These districts, all bordering the hostile Line of Control (LoC), have this year seen police dismantling large-scale drug trafficking networks, increasing drug seizures, attaching assets linked to illegal activities, and conducting preventive detentions. In 2024, police in north Kashmir registered 415 cases under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act, with 536 individuals arrested for drug trafficking and abuse. Additionally, 105 people were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act across the three districts. Police have confiscated contraband valued at a staggering Rs 155.27 crore, including heroin, brown sugar, charas, poppy straw, cannabis, and banned pharmaceutical substances. The contraband seized included 16.99 KG of Heroin, 17.34 KG of brown sugar, 75.6 KG of charas, 133.13 KG of poppy straw, and 12.3 KG of cannabis and bhang leaves. The confiscated items included were 33000 syrup bottles containing codeine phosphate. In addition to drug seizures, properties worth Rs 6.24 crore were attached, including 19 movable and 22 immovable assets, as part of the ongoing crackdown. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, North Kashmir, Maqsood-ul-Zaman, emphasized that the fight against drugs is not just about law enforcement, but also about protecting communities from the devastating impact of drug abuse. "J&K Police across North Kashmir has made a significant impact in reducing the adverse effects of drugs on society," Zaman said. The DIG said while the battle against drugs continues, they have expanded their investigations to identify benami properties obtained through drug trafficking proceeds. “We are tracing the flow of funds, investigating concealed ownerships, and conducting lifestyle analysis to target the financial assets of all individuals involved in drug crimes," he said. Zaman added that the J&K Police are prepared to face new challenges in 2025 and beyond, underscoring the importance of a collaborative, innovative, and comprehensive approach from all stakeholders to create a drug-free and prosperous society...////...