Over 1,500 NDPS Cases Registered, Nearly 2,000 Arrested; 567 Bank Accounts Frozen As Police Intensify Crackdown On Drug Networks
Cyber Fraud Losses Cross ₹54 Crore; Police Recover Over ₹7 Crore | IGP Calls For Responsible Driving, Stronger Public Cooperation
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 05: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar, on Thursday called upon the youth to become active partners in the fight against drug trafficking, cybercrime and other social evils, assuring that people sharing credible information with the police would receive complete confidentiality and necessary protection.
Addressing his first media interaction after taking over as IGP Kashmir at the Police Control Room (PCR), Srinagar, Kumar said that combating narcotics, preventing cyber fraud and improving road safety remained among the major priorities of Kashmir Police.
Appealing particularly to youngsters, the IGP urged them to stay away from criminal networks and contribute towards building a secure, responsible and drug-free society.
“Police are with you. I assure you that my team and the entire Kashmir Zone Police will support you. The youth must come forward and play a positive role in this fight,” he said.
OVER 1,500 NDPS CASES, NEARLY 2,000 ARRESTED IN CRACKDOWN
Sharing details of the ongoing anti-narcotics drive, Kumar disclosed that Kashmir Police had registered more than 1,500 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the current year, leading to the arrest of nearly 2,000 accused persons.
He said approximately ₹1.10 crore in cash had been recovered during the investigations, while properties worth crores of rupees had been attached as part of efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
The IGP further revealed that 567 bank accounts allegedly connected with narcotics-related activities, involving transactions of approximately ₹1.31 crore, had been frozen.
He emphasised that police action was no longer confined to street-level drug peddlers, but was also focused on identifying the financial channels, supply chains and organised networks sustaining the illegal narcotics trade, including those operating in downtown Srinagar.
INFORMANTS’ IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED: IGP
Calling public participation essential for the success of the anti-drug campaign, Kumar appealed to citizens to share credible information about drug peddling and trafficking with the police without hesitation.
He assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential and that individuals approaching police stations or rehabilitation facilities for assistance would be extended the required support.
The IGP also urged people struggling with substance addiction to seek professional treatment rather than remain trapped in drug dependency, stressing that protecting the younger generation from narcotics was a collective responsibility.
CYBER FRAUD CASES INVOLVE LOSSES EXCEEDING ₹54 CRORE
Raising concern over the increasing misuse of digital platforms and bank accounts in organised cyber fraud, Kumar cautioned youngsters against becoming facilitators of online criminal networks.
He specifically warned against providing personal bank accounts to fraudsters for receiving or transferring money obtained through illegal transactions, commonly involving so-called mule accounts.
The IGP said police had received complaints involving financial losses exceeding ₹54 crore in recent cyber fraud cases.
He added that approximately 13 to 14 per cent of the defrauded amount had been recovered, with more than ₹7 crore already returned to affected victims.
“Cheating your own people is wrong. I appeal to the youth not to get involved in such activities or become part of these networks,” Kumar said.
He advised people to remain alert against suspicious financial offers and never permit their bank accounts to be used for unauthorised transactions.
RECKLESS BIKING, DANGEROUS STUNTS UNDER POLICE FOCUS
The IGP also expressed concern over reckless motorcycle riding, rash driving and dangerous road behaviour among youngsters.
He urged motorists, particularly young riders, to strictly follow traffic regulations, avoid risky stunts and demonstrate responsibility towards pedestrians and fellow road users.
Kumar observed that road safety could not be ensured through enforcement measures alone and required sustained public awareness, discipline and cooperation.
2007-BATCH IPS OFFICER
Sujit Kumar is a 2007-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre. He assumed charge as Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, in August 2026, succeeding V.K. Birdi.
Reiterating the importance of community participation, the IGP said that stronger police-public coordination and constructive involvement of the youth would play a crucial role in tackling drug trafficking, cybercrime, traffic violations and emerging security challenges across Kashmir.
