Government on Saturday said that there has been an increase in registration of number of cases related to drug addiction in the state.

In a written reply to a question by legislator, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that there has been an increase in registration of number of cases related to drug addiction in the year 2017 as compared to the year 2016.

Mehbooba, who is also Home Minister, said that a number of measures have been taken against the menace of narcotics use in the State. The measures, inter-alia, she said, include conduct of frequent raids, laying of Nakas and surprise checks to nab the persons involved in smuggling of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

 “There is strict implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Rules made there under.” She said police community public group (PCPG) meetings are being regularly held to brief, educate the participants about the harmful effects of these drugs. 

“(We are) launching of anti-drug drives and distribution of printing material to generate awareness amongst the public,” Mehbooba said.

She said that organizing anti-drug rallies, sports meets etc., youth clubs and Gym Centers have been established with internet facility to channelize the energy of youth in positive and nation building activities.

 “The sale and purchase of intoxicating drugs by the Chemists in the market is being monitored by the drug & Food Control Organization. Necessary precautions by way of conducting patrolling around Schools /Colleges are being taken by District Police to check the use of drugs. Cultivation of cannabis/ poppy is being destroyed by Police / concerned authorities regularly and persons involved are being booked under relevant law”, Mehbooba according to GNS said.

Mehbooba said under Civic Action Programme (CAP), 09 Drug-De-addiction Centres have been established, at Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, Poonch, Doda, Budgam and Udhampur.

To a question whether drug mafia was cultivating poppy etc in forest and at various places in the State, Mehbooba said: “No such instance has been reported.”