“Narcotics a Bigger Internal Threat After Terrorism”: North Kashmir Police Step Up All-Out War on Drugs
DIG Maqsood Ul Zamaan says sustained crackdowns, PIT NDPS bookings and community support key to eradicating drug menace from Kashmir
Baramulla, Jan 06: Reiterating that the fight against narcotics cannot be won by law enforcement alone, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) North Kashmir Range, Maqsood Ul Zamaan, on Tuesday underlined the crucial role of community participation in eradicating drugs from Jammu and Kashmir. He said people must come forward and actively share information to uproot the menace from its very roots.
“Eradicating drugs is not a task for police alone. Community involvement is indispensable. People must come forward and share information so that this threat can be eliminated from its roots,” the DIG said, while speaking to media persons.
He described narcotics as one of the most serious internal challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for the younger generation. According to him, drug abuse not only destroys individual lives but also weakens families, communities, and the broader social fabric of the region.
Targeting the Financial Backbone of Drug Syndicates
DIG Ul Zamaan said that in addition to arrests and seizures, the police are now aggressively targeting the financial infrastructure of drug syndicates. Authorities are attaching and confiscating properties and assets acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking, with the aim of crippling the entire ecosystem that sustains the illegal trade.
“Drug trafficking is driven by money. By choking their financial lifelines, we are ensuring that these networks collapse completely,” he said, adding that financial investigations are being conducted parallel to criminal cases to ensure long-term impact.
Officials say such measures send a strong deterrent message and make it difficult for traffickers to re-enter the trade after legal action.
Monitoring Digital Tools and VPN Misuse
The DIG also expressed concern over the misuse of digital tools, particularly Virtual Private Networks VPNs), which he said are increasingly being exploited to mask criminal activities. He noted that such technologies are being used by traffickers to evade detection, coordinate supply chains, and communicate discreetly.
“Misuse of VPNs poses serious security concerns. These platforms are being closely monitored to prevent their exploitation for criminal and anti-social activities,” Ul Zamaan said, indicating that cyber surveillance and technical monitoring have been strengthened as part of the anti-narcotics strategy.
Border Sensitivity and Security Measures
Commenting on border security, the DIG said North Kashmir remains a sensitive zone due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). However, he assured that comprehensive security arrangements, including continuous surveillance and intelligence-based operations, are firmly in place to foil any infiltration attempts or cross-border criminal activities.
“North Kashmir’s geographical sensitivity demands heightened vigilance, and we are fully prepared to deal with any challenge,” he said.
Protecting Youth Through Sustained Action
Reaffirming the resolve of Jammu and Kashmir Police, DIG Ul Zamaan said the crackdown on narcotics will be intensified further in the coming months. Alongside enforcement, police will continue sustained public outreach and awareness programmes to protect society—especially the youth—from the devastating impact of drugs.
He urged parents, educators, religious leaders, and civil society members to work closely with law enforcement agencies. “Only a collective effort can ensure a drug-free Kashmir. Our aim is not just enforcement, but prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation,” he said.
With a combination of strict legal action, financial disruption of syndicates, digital monitoring, and community cooperation, police officials believe Kashmir is moving towards a decisive phase in the fight against drugs—one aimed at safeguarding future generations and restoring social well-being.
“Eradicating drugs is not a task for police alone. Community involvement is indispensable. People must come forward and share information so that this threat can be eliminated from its roots,” the DIG said, while speaking to media persons.
He described narcotics as one of the most serious internal challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for the younger generation. According to him, drug abuse not only destroys individual lives but also weakens families, communities, and the broader social fabric of the region.
Targeting the Financial Backbone of Drug Syndicates
DIG Ul Zamaan said that in addition to arrests and seizures, the police are now aggressively targeting the financial infrastructure of drug syndicates. Authorities are attaching and confiscating properties and assets acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking, with the aim of crippling the entire ecosystem that sustains the illegal trade.
“Drug trafficking is driven by money. By choking their financial lifelines, we are ensuring that these networks collapse completely,” he said, adding that financial investigations are being conducted parallel to criminal cases to ensure long-term impact.
Officials say such measures send a strong deterrent message and make it difficult for traffickers to re-enter the trade after legal action.
Monitoring Digital Tools and VPN Misuse
The DIG also expressed concern over the misuse of digital tools, particularly Virtual Private Networks VPNs), which he said are increasingly being exploited to mask criminal activities. He noted that such technologies are being used by traffickers to evade detection, coordinate supply chains, and communicate discreetly.
“Misuse of VPNs poses serious security concerns. These platforms are being closely monitored to prevent their exploitation for criminal and anti-social activities,” Ul Zamaan said, indicating that cyber surveillance and technical monitoring have been strengthened as part of the anti-narcotics strategy.
Border Sensitivity and Security Measures
Commenting on border security, the DIG said North Kashmir remains a sensitive zone due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). However, he assured that comprehensive security arrangements, including continuous surveillance and intelligence-based operations, are firmly in place to foil any infiltration attempts or cross-border criminal activities.
“North Kashmir’s geographical sensitivity demands heightened vigilance, and we are fully prepared to deal with any challenge,” he said.
Protecting Youth Through Sustained Action
Reaffirming the resolve of Jammu and Kashmir Police, DIG Ul Zamaan said the crackdown on narcotics will be intensified further in the coming months. Alongside enforcement, police will continue sustained public outreach and awareness programmes to protect society—especially the youth—from the devastating impact of drugs.
He urged parents, educators, religious leaders, and civil society members to work closely with law enforcement agencies. “Only a collective effort can ensure a drug-free Kashmir. Our aim is not just enforcement, but prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation,” he said.
With a combination of strict legal action, financial disruption of syndicates, digital monitoring, and community cooperation, police officials believe Kashmir is moving towards a decisive phase in the fight against drugs—one aimed at safeguarding future generations and restoring social well-being.
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