Jammu Police Constable Arrested for Drug Trafficking at Medical College Premises

Jammu: A shocking case of drug trafficking has come to light with the arrest of a police constable allegedly peddling heroin on the premises of the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, involves Constable Mohammad Mukhtiyar, hailing from Geloti village in Udhampur district. Mukhtiyar, who was posted with the Armed Police 12th Battalion in Zewan, Srinagar, was found in possession of 15 grams of heroin and ₹9,000 in cash during a frisking operation by law enforcement officials at GMC.

Expanding Drug Syndicate Within Police Ranks?

This arrest marks the second instance in a week of a police officer being implicated in drug trafficking, raising concerns about the infiltration of narcotics networks within the ranks of law enforcement. Just days earlier, Constable Perwaiz Iqbal from the Jammu Crime Branch was detained with two women, with 33 grams of heroin seized during the operation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Mukhtiyar may have been part of a larger drug syndicate operating across the Jammu region. Sources within the police hinted at the involvement of organized networks with potential links to external entities, including cross-border drug trafficking.

Narco-Terror Connections and Broader Implications

The alarming rise in drug-related arrests among security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir underscores a deeper issue. In August, the administration took a hard stance, dismissing five police officers and a teacher for their alleged links to a narco-terror network with ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These networks are suspected of using drug money to fund terror activities in the region, posing a dual threat to both public safety and national security.

Officials believe that such incidents highlight an urgent need to tighten internal oversight within police ranks. “It is deeply troubling to see those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the public engaging in criminal activities. We are committed to rooting out such elements and ensuring justice,” said a senior police official.

Government Crackdown on Drug Trafficking

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ramped up efforts to dismantle drug syndicates in the region. In addition to arresting individuals directly involved in narcotics trade, authorities have intensified surveillance along known drug transit routes, including the Line of Control (LoC), which has been identified as a key entry point for drugs smuggled from Pakistan.

Efforts include:

• Increased Vigilance: Checkpoints at strategic locations across the region have been reinforced.
• Community Outreach: Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.
• De-addiction Programs: The government is also focusing on rehabilitation efforts for individuals affected by drug abuse, aiming to disrupt local demand for narcotics.

Disturbing Trend in Drug Abuse in Jammu and Kashmir

The drug menace has become a significant challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, with reports indicating a surge in substance abuse, particularly among youth. A recent survey revealed that heroin use has skyrocketed in the region, with many families grappling with the devastating social and economic consequences of addiction.

The involvement of law enforcement personnel in such activities only adds to the complexity of addressing this issue. Experts stress the importance of strengthening internal mechanisms to identify and weed out corrupt individuals within the system.

Public and Political Reactions

The recent arrests have sparked outrage among the public and political circles. Civil society organizations and activists have demanded stricter accountability within the police force and harsher penalties for officers involved in criminal activities.

“This is a betrayal of public trust. When the protectors turn perpetrators, it undermines the entire system. We urge the government to ensure that such individuals face the full force of the law,” said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group.

Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Change

The arrest of Constable Mohammad Mukhtiyar serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by the Jammu and Kashmir administration in tackling both drug trafficking and the broader implications of narco-terrorism. While the government’s intensified crackdown is a step in the right direction, experts believe that long-term solutions will require a comprehensive approach involving stricter oversight, community involvement, and robust rehabilitation programs.

As the investigation into Mukhtiyar’s activities continues, authorities remain determined to root out the influence of drug syndicates within law enforcement and beyond, ensuring that such incidents do not compromise the region’s security and stability.