J&K determined to dismantle drug syndicate, narco-terror nexus: Lt Governor

Jammu, Jan 11: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in New Delhi, organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated virtually from Jammu, emphasizing J&K UT’s commitment to neutralise the narco-terror nexus and combat the drug menace.
While addressing the conference, the Lieutenant Governor said that concerted efforts were made in the year 2024 to target the illicit proceeds of narcotics trafficking and 188 properties of traffickers have been identified for attachment under Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA). 274 repeat offenders were detained under PIT-NDPS Act.
The Lieutenant Governor said in 2024 significant improvements were recorded over previous years and 210 convictions were secured which is the highest ever. In 2024, around 1,514 cases under NDPS Act were registered and 2,260 arrests were made. He said the government is determined to completely dismantle the entire drug syndicate which is posing a serious and direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and security. Five special NDPS Courts have been established for speedy trial of cases.
“Financial investigations are now being carried out in all cases to work out forward and backward linkages so that the entire network is neutralised in every NDPS case,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K Union Territory has adopted a whole of government approach to deal with drug trafficking and drug abuse. The Lieutenant Governor said that Inter-departmental coordination on various aspects and challenges is ensured and regular NCORD meetings have been held in the last two years.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the forensic labs have been strengthened and modern equipments as well as manpower has been ensured. This has resulted in effective functioning of labs and strengthening of the entire legal justice framework through filing early charge-sheet and effective trial of cases.