Srinagar, June 1, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday announced that more than 1,000 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested across Jammu and Kashmir since the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan on April 11, describing the anti-drug campaign as a decisive strike against both narcotics networks and terror financing.
Addressing participants during the ‘Drug-Free J&K Padyatra’ in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration has adopted a comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks, breaking supply chains, raising public awareness and ensuring rehabilitation for those battling addiction.
Massive Crackdown Across Jammu & Kashmir
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign during its first 51 days, Sinha said security agencies have registered 923 FIRs related to narcotics offences and arrested over 1,000 drug smugglers and peddlers across the Union Territory.
He further revealed that more than 55 notorious traffickers have been detained under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, aimed at preventing repeat involvement in drug-related crimes.
As part of the intensified enforcement drive, authorities have also cancelled 668 driving licences and recommended the revocation of 124 passports linked to individuals involved in narcotics activities.
Drug Trade Linked To Terror Financing
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the campaign is not merely a fight against substance abuse but also a battle against terrorism and its funding channels.
Calling the initiative a direct attack on the financial backbone of terror networks, Sinha said drug trafficking has long been used as a source of funding for anti-national activities.
“By choking the narcotics trade, we are also disrupting the financial lifeline that sustains terror networks. This fight is not only about public health but also about safeguarding national security,” he said.
Commitment To A Fear-Free And Drug-Free J&K
Recalling his pledge made in 2021, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to creating a fear-free and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
“In 2021, I promised a Jammu and Kashmir free from the menace of drugs and terror. Today, I can confidently say that the chains trapping our youth in the dark web of addiction are gradually breaking, link by link and day by day,” he stated.
He added that the administration remains determined to eliminate the drug menace completely and ensure that future generations are protected from its devastating consequences.
People’s Movement Against Drug Abuse
Describing the campaign as a people-centric movement, Sinha said success in the fight against drugs requires collective participation from society, including families, educational institutions, community leaders, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.
“This is a movement driven by a shared purpose—to make every village, town and city in Jammu and Kashmir drug-free. The road ahead is long, and the fight demands constant vigilance, sustained effort and collective resolve,” he said.
Focus On Rehabilitation And Awareness
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that enforcement alone cannot eradicate the problem. Alongside arrests and legal action, the administration is focusing on awareness campaigns, counselling services and rehabilitation programmes to help individuals recover from addiction and reintegrate into society with dignity.
Officials said anti-drug awareness initiatives have been expanded across educational institutions, communities and public spaces to prevent youth from falling prey to substance abuse.
The ongoing campaign continues to target drug smugglers, traffickers and their financial networks while simultaneously promoting recovery, awareness and social responsibility throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
