Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, May 20 : Over the past five years, Srinagar has seen a significant rise in drug-related cases, with a total of 535 drug cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 894 people.
The District Police Headquarters Srinagar disclosed these figures in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by M.M. Shuja, a copy of which lies with the news agency.
The year-wise report of cases is as follows:
2019 saw the registration of 81 drug-related cases, resulting in the arrest of 126 individuals. The police seized 201 grams of brown sugar, 15.835 kilograms of charas, and 4,455 bottles of psychotropic syrups.
In 2020, the number of registered cases increased to 92, with 159 arrests. Seizures included 20.4 grams of brown sugar, 19.614 kilograms of charas, and 8,526 bottles of psychotropic syrups.
In 2021, a total of 74 cases were registered, and 120 individuals were arrested. The seizures comprised 91.4 grams of brown sugar, 13.161 kilograms of charas, and 357 bottles of psychotropic syrups.
2022 marked a significant rise in cases with 169 registered incidents and 287 arrests. The confiscated drugs included 97.3 grams of brown sugar, 14.159 kilograms of charas, and 5,774 bottles of psychotropic syrups.
In 2023, the trend continued with 107 cases and 186 arrests. The police seized 108.5 grams of brown sugar, 11.816 kilograms of charas, and 1,361 bottles of psychotropic syrups.
Up to January 2024, 12 cases have already been registered, leading to the apprehension of 16 individuals. Seizures for this period included 16 bottles of psychotropic syrups and 510 grams of charas.
The increasing figures underscore the persistent challenge that drug trafficking poses to the region. Despite the substantial seizures and arrests, the issue remains a significant concern for local authorities and communities alike.
People have expressed a mix of relief and concern over the police efforts. Many have appreciated the rigorous actions taken by the Jammu & Kashmir Police and called for sustained and enhanced measures to curb the drug menace in the region.
