Jammu police chief warns drug traffickers are as dangerous as terrorists and pledges crackdown

Jammu zone IG Tejinder Singh declared on Wednesday that drug traffickers, especially heroin dealers linked to Pakistan, pose a threat equal to that of terrorists. He announced that the Jammu and Kashmir Police will intensify its anti‑drug campaign across the Jammu region while continuing operations to dismantle the terror ecosystem and neutralise remaining militants. Singh noted a decline in terrorist recruitment over the past two years but said the force will keep focusing on eliminating the remaining terrorists and preserving the three‑decade‑long peace in the Union Territory. He promised to strengthen the security grid and step up drug‑related operations, citing recent emphasis from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s target to eradicate the drug menace by 2029 was also highlighted. At a Police Commemoration Day event, Singh paid tribute to fallen officers, calling their sacrifice the highest service to the country, and affirmed the police’s support for the families of the martyrs. He urged the public to aid the fight by sharing drug‑related information through helplines or directly with police stations. "There can be no greater sacrifice for the country than laying down one’s life," he said, urging citizens to stand with the force in its dual battle against terrorism and drugs.

Context

The drug issue in Jammu is linked to cross‑border heroin smuggling from Pakistan, a problem that security agencies say fuels local crime and can fund militant activities. The government's 2029 elimination goal reflects a broader national push to curb illicit narcotics and strengthen internal security.