Jammu, 14 December (H.S.): Administration demolished at least 10 houses, including three triple-storey buildings and a shop, belonging to as many alleged drug peddlers at Rajiv Nagar area of the district here today.

Officials said that the market value of the demolished properties was estimated to be around Rs 10 crores.

The demolition drive was carried out following directions from the District Magistrate Jammu, Rakesh Minhas and was executed in coordination with SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh, they said.

A police official said a joint team of revenue and police officers, with the support of other armed police forces, conducted the demolition drive in the area.

The action, he said, was taken after repeated warnings were issued to the alleged drug peddlers, who continued their illegal activities despite facing cases under the NDPS Act.

During the drive, 10 structures identified as illegally raised and allegedly constructed using proceeds from drug trafficking by 10 individuals, identified as Reena, Pal, Arun, Shivani, Karan, Rishi, Vishal Kumar, Reema, Rocky, and Sagar, were razed, he said.

The official added that the operation was aimed at sending a strong message against the drug menace and dismantling the infrastructure supporting such activities.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police warned that similar drives would continue in the future if any individual is found involved in drug peddling or related illegal activities.

Residents of Rajiv Nagar welcomed the administration’s action and appreciated the joint effort of the civil and police authorities.

Locals further demanded that such drives should be continued on a regular basis to deter others from indulging in drug peddling and to ensure a safer environment for the community.

However, some of the affected residents claimed that their properties were demolished without their involvement in the drug trade.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar