ANANTNAG, OCT 1: Anantnag Police has intensified its crackdown on the narcotics network, registering 408 cases under the NDPS Act and arresting 476 alleged drug peddlers during the first nine months of 2026, while dismantling the financial and logistical ecosystem supporting the illegal trade.
The district police said more than 542 kilograms of contraband was seized during multiple operations, besides recovery of ₹27.52 lakh in cash allegedly linked to drug-related activities.
The crackdown has also extended beyond arrests and seizures, with police attaching properties worth approximately ₹60 crore in 35 cases under relevant legal provisions. Another 20 illegal properties valued at around ₹20 crore, allegedly linked to narcotics proceeds, were demolished.In a major disposal drive following due legal procedure, Anantnag Police said 2,000 kilograms of narcotic substances were destroyed, while illegal cultivation of narcotic crops spread over 305 marlas was also eliminated.
The police action further targeted the land and assets allegedly controlled by drug peddlers. More than 271 marlas of government land were retrieved from encroachment, according to the police.
The enforcement campaign has also brought women and government employees under the scanner. Police said 13 female cultivators were arrested, while eight government employees were found allegedly involved in drug-related cases and legal action was initiated against them.
Under preventive measures, 16 alleged drug peddlers were detained under the PIT NDPS Act. Authorities also cancelled 28 driving licences and 22 Registration Certificates in connection with narcotics-related offences.
To choke the movement and supply of drugs, Anantnag Police conducted 295 Narco-CASOs across the district.
The enforcement net was extended to the pharmaceutical supply chain, with 220 medical shops inspected jointly with concerned departments. Violations were detected at 19 establishments, against which legal action was initiated.
Strengthening the investigative side of the crackdown, 213 Investigation Officers dealing with NDPS cases were imparted specialised training at DPO Anantnag on legal procedures and evidence handling.
The figures underline a multi-pronged approach targeting not only street-level drug peddling but also narcotics cultivation, illegal properties, financial proceeds, supply channels and repeat offenders.
Anantnag Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against the drug menace and appealed to the public, particularly the youth, to come forward with information about drug trafficking, cultivation and related activities.
The police stressed that sustained public cooperation remains critical to choking the supply chain and preventing narcotics from gaining a foothold in society.
