Jammu Police Wages War on Narco-Terror Nexus: Demolition of Drug Lord’s Property Marks Strategic Offensive Against Organised Crime

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh April 16,2025 ||

In a significant escalation of its crackdown on narcotics and organized crime, Jammu Police has taken the offensive to a new level with the demolition of the illegal residence of Lahu Gujjar, a well-known drug smuggler operating in the region. The operation, executed under tight security and meticulous planning, reflects a broader law enforcement shift toward systemic disruption of the criminal underworld.

This high-impact action, carried out with the coordination of multiple police units under SSP Jammu, is part of a sweeping campaign that targets not only individuals but the infrastructure and assets that sustain their operations.

1. The Man at the Center: Who is Lahu Gujjar?

Lahu Gujjar has long been on the police radar as a high-value target in the region’s drug ecosystem. His network is believed to have links not just within Jammu, but with larger trafficking routes extending across northern India and potentially even across the border. The demolition of his property, which was allegedly constructed using illicit proceeds, sends a strong message to the rest of the narco ecosystem.

2. Strategic Planning and Execution: A Multi-Tiered Operation

The move comes after months of surveillance, intelligence-gathering, and internal strategy meetings led by the senior leadership of Jammu Police. Inputs were pooled from field-level officers including SP South, SP Headquarters, SDPOs of Gandhi Nagar, East, and R.S. Pura, all of whom worked in synergy to map out the criminal syndicate.

Authorities compiled a priority list of smugglers, and Lahu Gujjar’s name was prominent. The decision to demolish his property was based not only on its illegal status but also as a psychological tactic to rattle the drug network.

3. Legal Framework: No Room for Ambiguity

The Jammu Police made sure the action was legally watertight. The demolition was carried out in accordance with legal provisions under the NDPS Act, as well as Section 68F which allows the attachment and forfeiture of properties acquired through drug money. Additionally, BNS provisions and municipal regulations were invoked to ensure no room was left for legal retaliation.

This is in keeping with the ‘zero tolerance’ policy on narcotics being pursued at the highest levels of the Jammu and Kashmir Police hierarchy.

4. Broader Context: The Drug Economy and Social Fallout

Drug abuse has become a silent epidemic in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with vulnerable youth being the most affected. Heroin, cannabis, and pharmaceutical opioids have flooded markets, creating a public health crisis and a growing threat to social stability. The financial power of drug lords has also allowed them to influence local businesses, buy land, and create an alternate power structure in several areas.

By targeting property and finances, the Jammu Police is not just punishing crime—it is dismantling this parallel system.

5. Civil Society and Political Reactions

The demolition has sparked widespread public support. Community leaders, local residents, and social organizations have applauded the bold step, calling it a “moment of justice” for the common people. Several civil society voices noted that the move would deter future offenders and give hope to families battling the scourge of addiction.

Interestingly, political circles have also weighed in. While some leaders have appreciated the firmness of the police action, others have called for institutional rehabilitation mechanisms to complement law enforcement actions. There’s an increasing consensus that a multi-dimensional approach—law enforcement, social support, and de-addiction programs—is needed.

6. Multi-Front War: From Drugs to Illegal Mining and Bovine Smuggling

This action is part of a wider strategy. Jammu Police has concurrently intensified its efforts against:

• Illegal mining operations, which are often backed by the same criminal networks.

• Bovine smuggling, particularly along sensitive routes in border and rural areas.

• Land encroachments by known criminals.

More than 100 FIRs have been registered against various offenders under multiple acts, including the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, Forest Act, and IPC provisions.

7. Message to Criminal Elements: No Safe Haven

The message is clear: properties, influence, or political backing will not shield anyone from the law. SSP Jammu has hinted that this is just the beginning of a larger crackdown, with more demolitions and property seizures likely in the coming weeks.

This new model of enforcement—targeting the economic foundation of organized crime—is being seen as a game-changer. It’s no longer about just arresting a smuggler; it’s about dismantling their empire.

8. The Road Ahead: Challenges and Possibilities

While the operation is being praised, challenges remain:

• Legal backlash from criminal sympathizers.

• The need for witness protection in high-profile cases.

• Reinforcement of anti-drug education and rehabilitation centers to ensure long-term impact.

• Sustaining momentum without political interference.

Yet, if the current resolve is maintained, Jammu could witness a watershed transformation in its fight against drugs and organized crime.

A Defining Moment for Jammu:

With this bold step, Jammu Police has not only reaffirmed its commitment to public safety but also redefined how the war on drugs can be fought. By combining intelligence-based policing with legal and financial enforcement, law enforcement is aiming not just for arrests—but for long-term disruption of criminal economies.

If replicated at scale and supported by social measures, this approach could serve as a model for anti-narcotics operations across the country.