Drug menace on rise; 117 peddlers arrested, 15 booked under PSA this year in Budgam
A police spokesperson in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that during the current year, Budgam Police registered 66 FIRs under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act in which 117 persons have been arrested and 15 vehicles seized.
“Among them, 15 notorious drug peddlers have been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA),” he said, adding that sustained efforts are being taken to eradicate the menace of drugs from the district.
Giving details of action against drug peddlers in Budgam district, the spokesperson said: “24 cases have been registered in Police Station Budgam, adding that 44 persons have been arrested, 8 vehicles seized, and 3 persons detained under PSA. In Police Station Khansahib, 3 cases have been registered, 15 persons arrested, 1 vehicle seized, and 1 person detained under PSA. In Police Station Magam, 13 cases have been registered, 18 persons arrested, 3 vehicles seized, and 7 persons detained under PSA. In Police Station Beerwah, 13 cases have been registered, 21 persons arrested, and 2 vehicles seized. In Police Station Khag, 5 cases have been registered, 8 persons arrested, and 1 person detained under PSA. In Police Station Charar Shareef, 1 case has been registered, 2 persons arrested, and 1 person detained under PSA. In Police Station Chadoora, 7 cases have been registered, 9 persons arrested, 1 vehicle seized, and 2 persons detained under PSA.”
The police spokesperson said Charas (4 kg and 753 grams), Spasmo Proxivon tablets (4644 tablets), Codeine Phosphate (353 bottles), Cannabis Powder (108 kg 380 grams), Heroin (147 grams), and Poppy Straw (561 kg and 400 grams) have been seized.
He said that cash amounting to Rs 3,03,355 has been seized from arrested drug peddlers, while 15 vehicles used for the commission of the crime have also been seized under NDPS. “Among these seized vehicles, one vehicle Wagon R bearing registration No.JK04G 1662 has been recommended for confiscation after a proper inquiry conducted U/S 68 E of NDPS Act,” he added.
Police have destroyed illegal bung/poppy cultivated on 18 kanals and 7 marlas of land, the spokesperson said, adding that in order to generate awareness among the general public, particularly the youth, about the ill effects of narcotics, 31 quality awareness programmes and rallies have been conducted at various colleges, higher secondary schools, schools and other places in the district:
“Drug awareness programmes were held on 04.01.2022 at DPL Budgam, on 19.01.2022 at DPL Budgam, on 28.02.2022 at Degree College Budgam, on 03.03.2022 at DPL Budgam, on 24.03.2022 at Bright Horizon Higher Secondary School Budgam, on 20.04.2022 at Salsabeel Educational Institute Humhama Budgam, on 19.05.2022 at Govt. Higher Secondary School Humhama, on 23.05.2022 at Govt. Higher Secondary School Budgam, on 25.05.2022 at Higher Secondary School Wathoora Budgam, on 31.05.2022 at Govt. Degree Collage Magam, on 26.06.2022 at Govt. Degree College Magam, on 29.06.2022 at DPL Budgam, on 20.07.2022 at Higher Secondary School Chrari-e-Sharief, on 25.07.2022 at Higher Secondary School Kanir Chadoora, on 28.07.2022 at Higher Secondary School Soibugh, on 06.08.2022 Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School Chadoora, on 17.08.2022 at Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School Ichgam, on 24.08.2022 at Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School Nagam Budgam, on 01.09.2022 at Govt Higher Secondary School Magam, on 12.09.2022 at Govt. Higher Secondary School Beerwah, on 29.09.2022 at Islamia Public Secondary School Kralpora, on 10.10.2022 at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Narbal, on 25.10.2022 at Spring Buds Higher Secondary School Ompora, on 31.10.2022 at Govt. Higher Secondary School Humhama, on 14.11.2022 at Govt. Higher Secondary School Shogapora, on 19.11.2022, One day Workshop under the theme “School Based Education for Drug abuse prevention” at DPO Budgam, and on 29.11.2022 at Govt. Higher Secondary School Khanda Budgam,” the spokesperson said.
Police said rallies were held on 26-06-2022 (Budgam to Budgam), on 06-09-2022 (Khansahib to Khansahib), on 10-09-2022 (Magam to Magam), and on 26-11-2022 (DC Office to Budgam town).
The spokesperson said 132 drug addicts have been given proper Counselling at Drug De-addiction Centre District Police Lines Budgam on January 18, February 25, March 19, April 16, May 14, June 05, July 09, August 08, September 07, October 06, and November 05 this year.
“Budgam Police reiterates it yet again to all community members to come forward with any information regarding drug peddling in their neighbourhood. Persons found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt with as per law,” the police spokesperson said. “Our consistent actions against drug peddlers should reassure the community members that we are making efforts to keep our society free from the scourge of drug menace.”—(KNO)
