Drug cases rising in J&K, 21 addiction treatment facilities functional: Govt

Srinagar, Sep 30: Drug-related cases are on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir, with the government acknowledging the growing challenge of substance abuse and outlining a multi-pronged strategy focused on enforcement, prevention, awareness, treatment and rehabilitation.
In response to a question raised by MLA Sham Lal Sharma, the Health and Medical Education Department, said the increase in drug abuse is linked to factors such as the availability and illicit supply of intoxicating substances, misuse of medicines for non-medical purposes, inter-state movement of drugs and psychotropic substances, and various socio-economic and behavioural factors.
The department said a comprehensive approach is being followed, covering prevention, regulation, awareness, treatment, surveillance and enforcement.
As part of preventive measures, awareness programmes are being conducted across districts in coordination with multiple stakeholders to sensitise people about the harmful effects of drug abuse. During 2026-27, up to August, 528 awareness programmes were held across the Union Territory.
The government said the toll-free Health Helpline 104 is being widely publicised through awareness campaigns and the media to provide guidance, counselling and assistance.
Adopting what it described as a zero-tolerance approach towards violations of drug laws, the department said strict action is being taken against the unauthorised sale, distribution and diversion of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
It said CCTV cameras have been installed at all medical sale establishments and computerised billing systems have been made mandatory for the procurement and sale of medicines. According to the government, compliance stands at 100 per cent for CCTV installation and 99.8 per cent for computerised billing.
The department said compliance is also verified during the issuance and renewal of drug sale licences.
Authorities are monitoring courier service providers to detect and prevent the illegal movement of drugs and medicinal preparations prone to misuse. The government is also coordinating with regulatory authorities in neighbouring states and Union Territories to curb inter-state diversion, smuggling and illegal trafficking.
It said efforts are being undertaken in coordination with agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, police, excise, revenue and air cargo authorities to prevent the illicit supply and trafficking of drugs.
Regular meetings of the National Coordination Committee for Drug Control (NCORD) are being held at both the Union Territory and district levels to review anti-drug measures and strengthen coordination among departments.
On treatment and rehabilitation, the government said 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) are currently functional across Jammu and Kashmir, covering all districts of the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
In Kashmir, the facilities are located at SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina, GMC Anantnag, GMC Baramulla, GMC Handwara, District Hospital Kulgam, District Hospital Shopian, District Hospital Pulwama, District Hospital Budgam, District Hospital Ganderbal and District Hospital Bandipora. (KNO)