Excise Department intensifies drive against illicit poppy cultivation in Shopian

SHOPIAN, MAY 30: In a major crackdown on illegal crop cultivation, a multi-departmental team today carried out a comprehensive destruction drive against illicit poppy cultivation in Chowan village of Tehsil Keller, District Shopian.
The operation was conducted under a well-coordinated and collaborative effort involving the Excise Department Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir Police, Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
During the drive, a significant area under illegal poppy cultivation was identified and destroyed on the spot. The action forms part of the ongoing efforts of the district administration and law enforcement agencies to eradicate the menace of illicit narcotic crop cultivation and curb drug-related activities in the region.
Following the successful destruction of the illegal crops, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of law.
A thorough legal investigation has been initiated to identify all individuals involved and ensure strict action against violators.
The district administration and law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards narcotic cultivation and trafficking.
They emphasized that similar drives will continue across the district with full force to dismantle the infrastructure supporting illicit poppy cultivation and safeguard the community from the harmful effects of narcotic substances.
The public has also been urged to cooperate with authorities and report any information regarding illegal cultivation or drug-related activities to help strengthen the collective fight against the drug menace.