7851 NDPS cases, 7 tons of narcotics destroyed in J&K in five years: MHA
Wajahat Shabir. Updated: 12/12/2024 12:30:38 AM
Front Page‘9,424 Arrested in J&K from 2021 to Sept 2024’
SRINAGAR: Between 2019 and 2023, Jammu & Kashmir saw the destruction of over 7 tons of narcotics, including 831.117 kilograms of hashish, 6,723.066 kilograms of poppy straw, and more than 54,227 units of narcotic tablets.
The information was revealed in the Ministry of Home Affairs Nitayanand Rai in Rajya Sabha. The minister further revealed that significant seizures have been made over the years, including 170.575 kilograms of heroin and 5,604.423 kilograms of poppy straw in 2022 alone.
The minister further revealed a consistent increase in the number of drug-related cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Jammu & Kashmir over the last five years.
In 2018, there were 938 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The following year, 2019, saw a notable rise, with the number of cases climbing to 1,173, he said.
This upward trajectory continued in 2020 when 1,222 cases were reported. The situation worsened in 2021, with 1,681 cases registered. By 2022, the number of drug-related cases had reached its highest point in five years, with 1,837 cases recorded, the Minister said.
A total of 7851 cases were registered in five years.
In another question, the Minister of Home Affairs said between 2021 and September 2024, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a significant rise in both drug-related cases and arrests. The minister said that in 2021, various law enforcement agencies registered 1,543 cases, resulting in the arrest of 2,217 individuals. The following year, 2022, saw a slight increase, with 1,857 cases registered and 2,755 people arrested.
The trend continued in 2023, as 2,149 cases were recorded and 3,072 individuals were taken into custody. By September 2024, the number of cases registered had reached 995, with 1,380 people arrested during the same period, he said. In total, from 2021 to September 2024, 6,544 drug-related cases were registered, and 9,424 people were arrested across Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the growing challenges faced by authorities in curbing drug trafficking and abuse in the region.