Pubdate: Sat, 22 Feb 2014
Source: Greater Kashmir (India)
Copyright: 2014 GreaterKashmir.com GK Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.greaterkashmir.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3731
Author: Syed Imran Ali Hamdani

CITY POLICE TIGHTENS NOOSE AROUND DRUG MENACE

5000 capsules, 7 KG Charas, 26 gm brown sugar recovered, 20 arrested
in 15 cases

Srinagar, Feb 22: Coming out of alleged slumber the City police has
gone active against drug menace with a "record recovery of contraband
narcotics" and arrest of 20 accused in separate cases in the past
around a month, official sources said Saturday.

They said following embarrassment over alleged police slumber on drug
menace, the cops have started a massive crackdown against
drug-traffickers. "In the past around a month, during separate raids
no less than 5000 Proxyvon capsules, seven kiliograms of Charas, 26
grams of brown sugar, 176 bottles of codeine have been recovered
whereas 20 persons have been arrested for their link to drug
trafficking," said a investigating officer in know of the matter
adding that as many as 15 cases have been filed.

He said to curb drug menace the City has been divided into five zones:
North, South, East, West and Central, each headed by a Superintendent
of Police "to give day-to-day update to central repository."

A police official in the central City said the trend of recovery
suggests that "illicit trade of drugs that cannot be sold without
medical prescription was on rise among youth and key cause of
addiction." He said performance report of various zones was being
monitored on regular-basis and "new strategies would be adopted in the
coming weeks".

Over the years some areas in the City like Sheikh Colony along Kalai,
the Mughal era rampart have been allegedly infamous for illegal sale
of narcotics while Greater Kashmir constantly highlighted the issue.
But, as per the concerned locals who want end to the menace which
brings disrepute to this residential colony, alleged "political
intervention has been hindering any major crackdown on
miscreants."

Though some local welfare forums in Shaher-e-Khaas often highlighted
the issue of drug abuse and "social waywardness", police was allegedly
inactive. Reports reveal that on January 4, 2014 the Senior
Superintendent of Police(SSP) Srinagar Amit Kumar during his maiden
public interaction in Shaher-e-Khaas had to face severe public
criticism for "police inaction".

Kumar had himself asked the invitees not to hesitate but speak what
all they wanted to and suggest measures for better relations with
police. "Drug menace, waywardness, eve-teasing and other crimes are on
rise, while little or nothing has been done by police," a report
revealed the invitees of having complained.

But the City police chief, Amit Kumar denied that police was active
because of any embarrassment in the past. "We are simply doing our
duty But yes given the public feedback we have prioritized our duties
on some fronts," the SSP told Greater Kashmir. He appealed the people
particularly youth to cooperate in fighting menace of drug abuse.
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