Our Fight Against Drug Trafficking Needs Public Support; SSP Kupwara

Our Fight Against Drug Trafficking Needs Public Support; SSP Kupwara

Tarique Raheem

Kupwara, Jul 8

Amid growing concern over the rise of drug abuse in north Kashmir, particularly in frontier districts like Kupwara, the police have intensified their crackdown on the drug trafficking. In this exclusive conversation with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara, Ghulam Jeelani Wani, speaks to Tarique Raheem about the scale of the issue, the steps being taken on the ground, and the crucial role the public must play in ending this menace.

Q: How serious is the drug situation currently in Kupwara?

SSP Wani: The situation is indeed serious. This year alone, we’ve registered 52 FIRs related to drug peddling, and 70 individuals have been detained, including two women; one from Kulgam and one from Tangdar. What’s more alarming is the volume of contraband recovered, worth crores in the illegal market. This tells us how deeply entrenched the network has become in our region.

Q: There are reports that even government employees have been booked. Can you confirm that?

SSP Wani: Yes, I can. Since 2023, we have booked 37 government employees, including police personnel, under the NDPS Act. It’s disheartening, no doubt, when the very people responsible for enforcing the law are found violating it. But we are very clear in our stand; no one is above the law.

Q: We’ve also heard about property seizures in Tangdar. What was the reason behind this action?

SSP Wani: That’s correct. We recently seized two properties in Tangdar that were directly linked to drug trafficking. This was the first time such an action was taken in the border town of Karnah. The impact was immediate; we noticed a decline in drug peddling in that area soon after. When you target their financial assets, it creates serious pressure on the network. These steps are vital to show that crime has real consequences.

Q: How has the public responded to the police efforts? Are people coming forward?

SSP Wani: People are cooperating, and we’re thankful for that. But the response could be stronger. What concerns me is that many people hesitate to speak up, even when they know who the peddlers are. Why? Because these individuals maintain a certain social image. They host community meals, invite religious figures, and try to present themselves as respectable citizens. But let’s be honest; no amount of social activity can wash away the damage they’ve done to our youth.

Q: What do you expect from the public in such situations?

SSP Wani: Social boycott is essential. Don’t treat these people like honourable members of the community. Don’t invite them to family functions or gatherings. Society must send a clear message: drug peddlers do not deserve social acceptance. That kind of isolation will speak louder than any court verdict.

Q: Have you faced any interference after arresting drug peddlers?

SSP Wani: Once we arrest a drug peddler, certain individuals immediately begin lobbying for their release. We have received some reports that some of them even engage in money laundering and approach the families of the accused with false assurances. They are misled into believing release is just a matter of influence. I want to make this very clear; anyone trying to interfere in these investigations will face strict legal action.

Q: How are families of addicts responding? Are they helping in investigations?

SSP Wani: We often have parents coming to us, desperate for help. They say, “Please arrest our son. Maybe a few days in lock-up will scare him into stopping.” We understand their pain. But when we ask them who introduced their child to drugs, most of them go silent. That silence protects the real culprits. If families really want to break the cycle, they must be brave enough to name the ones responsible.

Q: What would you say to people who may have credible information but are afraid to come forward?

SSP Wani: I want to assure everyone that we will protect your identity. If someone provides genuine, actionable information, especially about a key figure or kingpin, their name will be kept confidential, and they will be rewarded discreetly. We need people’s trust and courage; without them, this fight becomes much harder.

Q: Is there any specific appeal you'd like to make to pharmacists and medical store owners?

SSP Wani: Yes. Medical shop owners must remain alert. There are certain prescription drugs being misused by addicts. Sometimes they purchase it without valid prescriptions. Pharmacists should report any suspicious purchases. They play a crucial role in early detection and prevention. If they are vigilant, they can help break the chain at the supply level.

Q: And finally, your message to the people of Kupwara?

SSP Wani: This is not just a police issue; it’s a social crisis. Drug abuse is tearing families apart and putting our youth at risk. We, as police, are doing everything we can. But we need people to stand with us. Speak up. Break the silence. Don’t let fear protect the wrongdoers. If society joins hands, I have full faith we can defeat this menace together.

Tariqueraheem1920@gmail.com