Handwara, Apr, 30: In a major crackdown against narcotic cultivation, Handwara Police in coordination with the North Kashmir Excise Range and Revenue Department Langate today destroyed illegal poppy crops at multiple locations in the Pharou area of Langate.

The joint operation was carried out under the ongoing Nasha Mukht Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, aimed at eradicating drug abuse and illegal cultivation across the area. Acting on specific inputs, teams conducted a thorough drive in areas falling under Police Post Chogal in Police District Handwara, where sizeable patches of illicit poppy cultivation were identified and destroyed on the spot.

Officials stated that an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act at the concerned police station. All legal procedures, including seizure, sampling, and destruction of the narcotic crop, were completed as per norms during the operation.

The drive witnessed active participation from Handwara Police led by the DO Police Post Chogal, officials of the Revenue Department under the supervision of the Naib Tehsildar Langate, and teams from the North Kashmir Excise Range equipped with necessary machinery.

Authorities said the action reflects the strong commitment of the district administration, under the supervision of SSP Handwara and the civil administration, to curb illegal narcotic activities and uphold the rule of law.

Meanwhile, members of civil society and local residents appreciated the efforts of the authorities, stating that such initiatives send a strong message against drug abuse and reinforce the vision of a “Nasha Mukt” Handwara.