Early Times Report
Jammu, May 11: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking under the ongoing anti-narcotics, the district administration of Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday demolished illegally constructed properties allegedly owned by three brothers involved in narcotics smuggling in Hiranagar area. The action was carried out in Kot Punnu village of the Hiranagar subdivision, where three residential structures built on encroached state land were razed using heavy machinery in the presence of senior police and civil administration officials.
The demolished properties reportedly belonged to Liaqat Ali, Gagu Din and Sham Din, sons of Sharif Mohammad. The three brothers are facing multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) and are alleged to have amassed substantial assets through proceeds of drug trafficking.
According to officials, as many as 16 FIRs related to narcotics offences have been registered against the trio. The value of the demolished properties has been estimated at around Rs 1 crore. Sources said the administration had frozen the accused persons’ assets last year as part of the investigation into their financial dealings. Monday’s demolition was carried out after authorities established that the houses had been constructed illegally on government land.
The operation was conducted under tight security, with police and paramilitary personnel deployed to maintain law and order. Senior officers, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kathua, supervised the action.
Mohita Sharma said the police have prepared a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and seize or destroy assets created from the proceeds of the illegal trade.
She said the action forms part of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s 100-day anti-drug campaign launched on April 11 to make Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.
“Since the launch of the campaign, 20 FIRs have been registered in Kathua district and 23 drug "Police have prepared a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and seize or destroy assets created from the proceeds of the illegal trade. The action forms part of Lieutenant LG Sinha’s 100-day anti-drug campaign."
She added that police received credible information indicating that the three brothers had constructed their houses on state land. After verification and consultation with the district administration, permission was obtained to demolish the structures.
The SSP issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in narcotics trafficking, saying police are closely examining their financial transactions and preparing detailed profiles of their movable and immovable assets.
“Any property acquired through drug money will either be seized or demolished. Those involved in this illegal trade should abandon it and return to the mainstream,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma said the district administration is working with a zero-tolerance approach against drug traffickers and that no compromise will be made in enforcing the law.
Officials said Kathua Police have prepared a list of more than 70 alleged drug traffickers operating in the district. Their properties have been identified, and further demolitions and asset seizure proceedings are being planned jointly by the police and civil administration.
Authorities said the Home Department is regularly monitoring the progress of the anti-drug campaign and seeking updates from the district administration and police.
In a parallel effort, teams from the Drug and Food Control Department have been directed to identify medical stores suspected of illegally selling habit-forming and controlled medicines.
Police and Crime Investigation Department are assisting in the verification process to determine which pharmacies may be contributing to drug abuse in Kathua district.
Officials said several establishments are under scrutiny, and around a dozen medical shops have already been sealed during the past two weeks.
The latest demolition drive sends a strong message that authorities are now targeting not only drug traffickers themselves but also the financial and logistical networks that sustain the narcotics trade in Jammu and Kashmir. | 