‘20 FIRs, 14 arrests in 25 days; 850 pharmacies under CCTV, 15-bed de-addiction IPD made operational’
Budgam, May 05: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan on Tuesday said the administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach against drug abuse, with massive public participation and intensified enforcement measures underway across the district.
Speaking during the anti-drug padyatra led by Manoj Sinha, which was held from New Bus Stand to Old Bus Stand in Budgam, the Deputy Commissioner, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that around 4 lakh people have participated in awareness programmes conducted across the district.
“Awareness programmes were conducted in which approximately 400,000 people participated. Our commitment is that no individual and no household in Budgam will remain untouched by this campaign,” he said.
Highlighting enforcement actions, Khan said that in the last 25 days, 20 FIRs have been registered and 14 arrests made in connection with drug-related offences.
“A zero-tolerance approach is being adopted. No drug peddler will be spared, and all will be dealt with strictly under the law,” he said.
He added that poppy cultivation in the district has been brought down to zero, while strict regulatory mechanisms have been put in place to monitor pharmaceutical distribution. “Approximately 850 pharmacies have been equipped with CCTV cameras and computerised billing systems to ensure transparency and prevent misuse,” he said.
The DC said strict action has also been taken against erring drug shops. “Licenses of 11 such shops have been revoked, 22 suspended and six sealed,” he said.
He said action has also been taken against vehicles and individuals linked to drug activities. “Registration Certificates of 24 vehicles and 27 driving licences have been cancelled,” he added.
On rehabilitation, Khan said the administration has strengthened treatment facilities in the district. “Addiction treatment facilities are operational round-the-clock at the District Hospital. A drug de-addiction centre is functional, and from April 11, a 15-bed IPD facility has also been made operational,” he said.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the DC said, “No drug peddler will go unchecked, and no youth or child who has fallen victim to drugs will remain without rehabilitation or treatment.”
The padyatra witnessed massive participation from officials, students, youth and civil society members, reflecting a strong public resolve against drug abuse. (KNO)
