The Samba administration on Sunday retrieved 50 kanals of land worth nearly Rs 60 crore that had allegedly become a hotspot for drug peddlers.
Illegal structures constructed on the land at Balole Khad in Bari Brahmana were demolished during a joint operation by the administration and police. The drive formed part of an anti-narcotics crackdown targeting locations allegedly used for heroin trafficking and sheltering habitual offenders.
Officials said the operation was led by SSP Samba Anuj Kumar in coordination with the civil administration. The retrieved land belongs to SIDCO Bari Brahmana industrial area and has now been handed back to the authorities. Boundary fencing and floodlights have also been installed.
Police stated that the structures were being misused for storing, concealing and supplying narcotic substances, particularly heroin, posing a serious threat to public safety and youth.
The area had reportedly remained under surveillance for some time due to the criminal activities of several alleged drug peddlers linked to over 35 FIRs.
Among those named by police were Mohammad Baru, Dahua Bibi, Manshu Hussain, Farman Ali, Farooq Din, Farooq Ali, Haider Din and Farman Din, all allegedly involved in multiple criminal and NDPS-related cases.
During the operation, authorities demolished 33 illegal structures, including houses allegedly linked to the accused individuals.
Officials described the action as part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” aimed at dismantling narcotics networks and infrastructure supporting drug trafficking in the district.
“Samba Police have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddling. Strict legal action will continue against those involved in the narcotics trade,” officials said.
Police added that similar operations would continue in coordination with the civil administration to prevent any area from turning into a centre for drug-related activities.
