DGP Jammu and Kashmir Leads Fight Against Illicit Drug Trafficking: Measures and Strategies Discussed
07-06-2023 : Dilbag Singh, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu and Kashmir, presided over a thorough review meeting at the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to discuss the problem of illegal drug and psychoactive substance trafficking in the area. The discussion, which was held at the Srinagar Police Headquarters, was aimed at developing measures that would effectively combat the drug problem and safeguard young people from its harmful effects.
The DGP emphasised the necessity of improved coordination between all parties during the meeting in order to forge a potent deterrent against drug trafficking. He asked the officials to create a strategy for gathering data on drug users at the Panchayat and Block levels, which would make it easier to identify the sources of supply. The DGP emphasised the necessity for concerted action to create Jammu and Kashmir a drug-free territory because he recognised the serious threat that the drug trade posed to the socioeconomic fabric of the area.
To improve coordination, feedback, and analysis of successful and failed cases, the DGP directed the establishment of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) secretariat within the Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir. This secretariat, headed by the DIG of the crime branch, will identify areas of concern and gaps that require immediate attention. The DGP emphasized the importance of a seamless flow of information on drugs and the actions taken against drug peddlers and traders.
The DGP also emphasized the importance of increasing public knowledge of drug abuse and its detrimental impact on public health. at addition to organising talks on drug addiction and its effects, he demanded that drug-related videos be screened at schools, universities, and Panchayat levels. The DGP emphasized the necessity for a stern crackdown on drug trafficking and those responsible, with an emphasis on holding them accountable.
The DGP also emphasized the creation of task groups at the district level to tackle narcotics-related cases, with monthly progress evaluations being undertaken. The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch was entrusted with creating rules and investigative modules for officers working on drug-related cases in order to improve investigation outcomes.
Regarding poppy cultivation, the DGP ordered strict action against repeat offenders and the application of relevant laws, including the Public Safety Act (PSA). The DGP also directed the attachment of properties acquired through drug trade and urged the freezing of bank accounts belonging to known and suspected drug traders and smugglers in border areas. Furthermore, the identification of hidden payment methods, including those used in the dark net, was emphasized.
The meeting saw the attendance of distinguished officers, including Spl DG Crime J&K A.K Choudhary, ADGP (Hqrs) PHQ M.K Sinha, Bhim Sen Tuti, DIG Crime Javid Iqbal Matoo, AIG (Training/Policy) PHQ J.S Johar, AIG (Provision/transport) Gurinderpal Singh, AIG (Tech/Comn) Manoj Kumar Pandith, and senior officers of the Crime Branch.
Spl DGP Crime, A.K Choudhary, and other officers briefed the DGP Jammu and Kashmir about the measures already implemented and those planned to curb drug abuse. They also highlighted the steps taken to improve the investigation of narco-related cases. The comprehensive review meeting provided a platform for collaborative efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and work towards a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
