The escalating menace of drug peddling in Jammu has become a grave concern, threatening to unravel the social fabric of this once peaceful and culturally rich region. Over the past few years, there has been a disturbing surge in drug-related activities, with alarming statistics underscoring the gravity of the situation. As per official reports, over 2,300 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered in Jammu and Kashmir in 2023 alone. Jammu has increasingly become a transit and consumption hub for narcotics, particularly heroin, which is being trafficked across the border from Pakistan. In 2022, security forces seized over 200 kg of heroin, a figure that has nearly doubled since the previous year, revealing the growing penetration of drug cartels into the region. This problem is not confined to remote areas but has deeply infiltrated urban localities and educational institutions. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 40% of drug users in Jammu are between the ages of 15 and 30, with students particularly vulnerable to addiction. The easy availability of drugs, coupled with peer pressure, unemployment, and a lack of awareness, is driving many young people into the clutches of substance abuse. What makes this crisis particularly alarming is the multi-dimensional impact it is having. Families are being torn apart, crime rates are increasing, and the healthcare system is under immense strain. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat the problem, but the sheer volume of drugs flowing into Jammu makes this a Herculean task. While over 1,000 arrests were made in 2023 in connection to drug peddling, it is clear that a more comprehensive, community-driven approach is needed to curb this menace. Efforts must go beyond policing. The government must invest in rehabilitation programs and launch aggressive awareness campaigns to educate the youth about the dangers of drug abuse. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and educational institutions must also play an active role in steering young minds away from this destructive path. The rise in drug peddling activities in Jammu demands urgent and collective action. If left unchecked, this crisis could devastate an entire generation and destabilize the region’s future. The time to act is now, and it requires a coordinated effort from all sections of society to safeguard Jammu’s youth and its future.
