Jammu, April 11 Asserting that the full force of the law will be used to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced sweeping punitive measures, including the confiscation of properties and the cancellation of key documents such as the Aadhaar card of the accused.
Leading a 'padyatra' (march) from M A Stadium to Parade Ground here to mark the beginning of a 100-day intensive campaign in J-K to make it drug-free, the Lt Governor said, "Our neighbor is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation's future."
"Every officer has a responsibility: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at drug smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay," he said.
The Lt Governor vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers.
"The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licenses, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will be felt for generations," he said.
The LG said that drug abuse is among J-K's gravest challenges and reaffirmed that the administration remains firmly committed to confronting drug abuse and ensuring a decisive victory against the menace.
"Driven by a shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month-long people's movement across J-K will make every person understand the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation," he said.
In a stern warning, Sinha said that the assets of drug smugglers will be seized, the ringleaders will be prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly.
He said that new SOPs have been issued against drug traffickers.
"Under this SOP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers, and arms licenses of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately.
"Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen and financial investigations will be launched,” he said.
The Lt Governor directed senior officers to take swift action on complaints and strengthen grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit.
"Our strength lies in collective action. When departments unite with a shared purpose, we prevail," he said, urging all to join hands to make the 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyan' a success.