Will crush drug networks, protect youth: SSP Srinagar

Srinagar, May 13: Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy (IPS), on Wednesday said Srinagar Police has intensified its crackdown on drug networks across the city and warned smugglers and peddlers to stay away from the youth or face strict action.
Speaking on the completion of one month of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan led by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Srinagar Police Chief said the campaign is not merely a police drive but a mass movement against drugs.
“Drugs are not just a criminal issue. They are also a social, economic and national security threat. This fight cannot be won by police alone. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, educational institutions and the entire society must stand together,” he said.
Sharing details of the action taken during the last month, Dr Chakravarthy said Srinagar Police registered 101 NDPS cases and arrested 143 narcotic peddlers. He said properties worth more than Rs 23 crore linked to narcotics were attached, illegal constructions raised from drug money were demolished and several bank accounts were frozen.
The SSP further said authorities are targeting the financial backbone of drug networks by cancelling licenses, initiating action against Aadhaar cards and impounding passports of those involved in drug trafficking.
“Our aim is not only arrests. Our mission is to dismantle the entire narcotic ecosystem, break supply chains and destroy financial networks linked to drugs,” he said.
Dr Chakravarthy said police investigations are now moving beyond street-level peddlers and focusing on hawala links, handlers and illegal assets connected to the drug trade.
He said awareness programmes are being conducted across schools, colleges and localities, with youth remaining the top priority of the campaign.
“Pick up books and cricket bats, not drugs. Focus on education, careers and dreams. Drugs destroy lives, families and society,” he said while appealing to youngsters to stay away from narcotics.
The SSP also urged citizens to share information about drug peddlers without fear, assuring that identities of informers would remain confidential.
“You do not need to fear anyone. Your identity will never be revealed. Public support is helping us strengthen this war against drugs,” he said.
Issuing a direct warning to drug smugglers and peddlers, Dr Chakravarthy said Srinagar Police would act “ruthlessly” against anyone targeting innocent youth.
“Stay away from our youth. Shut down these illegal networks. We will continue aggressive action against smugglers, peddlers and their financial systems. Together, we will build a drug-free Kashmir and a drug-free India,” he added. (KNS)