DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, jun 17
In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the fight against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday commenced a two-day specialised training programme for Investigating Officers at the Police Auditorium, Gulshan Ground, Jammu.
The programme is being conducted as part of the ongoing 100-Day “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan,” launched on April 11, 2026, to combat the growing menace of drug addiction and illegal narcotics trade across the Union Territory. The training programme was inaugurated by Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to tackle the drug problem. He said that law enforcement alone cannot eliminate the menace and stressed the importance of quality investigation, effective prosecution, rehabilitation of victims and active participation of communities in anti-drug campaigns. The IGP observed that Investigating Officers form the backbone of the criminal justice system and play a decisive role in ensuring that drug traffickers are brought to justice. He noted that thorough investigations, supported by scientific evidence and modern technology, are essential for securing convictions and dismantling organised narcotics networks operating across different regions.
A total of 120 Investigating Officers from the Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range and the Udhampur-Reasi Range are participating in the programme. The initiative has been designed to improve the professional competence of officers dealing with cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and strengthen the institutional capacity of law enforcement agencies in tackling drug-related crimes.
Officials said that the 100-Day Abhiyan focuses on a multi-pronged approach that combines enforcement measures with prevention, awareness generation, rehabilitation and community engagement. The campaign also aims to identify drug hotspots, disrupt supply chains and sensitise vulnerable sections of society about the dangers of substance abuse. During the two-day programme, participants will attend detailed sessions covering various aspects of narcotics investigations. Topics include the prevailing drug trafficking scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, national trends in narcotics crimes, legal provisions of the NDPS Act, investigation procedures and prosecution strategies. Special emphasis is being placed on the use of technology, forensic science and modern investigative tools to improve the quality of evidence collection and case preparation.
Experts are also conducting sessions on forensic applications, fingerprint analysis and the use of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Participants are being provided practical insights through case studies that cover the entire process of investigation, from registration of a First Information Report to the filing of the final report before the court.
The training sessions are being conducted by specialists from the Narcotics Control Bureau, senior police officers, forensic experts and legal professionals. Their expertise is expected to help officers understand emerging challenges in narcotics investigations and adopt best practices in handling complex cases.
Officials of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force stated that strengthening investigative skills and promoting the effective use of technology are critical for ensuring successful prosecution and creating a strong deterrent against drug traffickers. They expressed confidence that the programme would significantly enhance the effectiveness of anti-drug operations in the region.
The programme will conclude on June 18 with practical evaluation exercises, feedback sessions and the distribution of certificates to all participants. Authorities described the initiative as an important step towards building a stronger and more effective response to the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking and drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
