JAMMU, Jan 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today virtually participated in regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah besides top Army Commanders are likely to join the ‘Veterans Day’ celebrations at Akhnoor on January 14.The conference was organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Sinha emphasized J&K UT’s commitment to neutralise the narco-terror nexus and combat the drug menace.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor said that concerted efforts were made in the year 2024 to target the illicit proceeds of narcotics trafficking and 188 properties of traffickers have been identified for attachment under Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA). 274 repeat offenders were detained under PIT-NDPS Act.
He said in 2024 significant improvements were recorded over previous years and 210 convictions were secured which is the highest ever. In 2024, around 1,514 cases under NDPS Act were registered and 2,260 arrests were made. He said the Government is determined to completely dismantle the entire drug syndicate which is posing a serious and direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and security. Five special NDPS Courts have been established for speedy trial of cases.
“Financial investigations are now being carried out in all cases to work out forward and backward linkages so that the entire network is neutralised in every NDPS case,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K has adopted a whole of Government approach to deal with drug trafficking and drug abuse. He added that Inter-departmental coordination on various aspects and challenges is ensured and regular NCORD meetings have been held in the last two years.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the forensic labs have been strengthened and modern equipments as well as manpower has been ensured. This has resulted in effective functioning of labs and strengthening of the entire legal justice framework through filing early charge-sheet and effective trial of cases.
