Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 10, 2026:
In a decisive crackdown against drug trafficking and the misuse of transport facilities for narcotics-related crimes, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kishtwar, Tasleem Javed Wani, has ordered stringent action against individuals booked under the NDPS Act, sending out a firm message of zero tolerance towards drug peddlers and traffickers.
Acting on an FIR registered by District Police Kishtwar at Police Station Kishtwar under the NDPS Act, the ARTO Kishtwar has disqualified the driving licence of an accused involved in a recent narcotics case.
As per official records available with News Insider 24X7, FIR No. 12/2026, under Sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act, dated 08-01-2026, was registered at Police Station Kishtwar against Salman Nisar Sheikh, son of Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, resident of Link Road, Kishtwar. Following the registration of the case, his driving licence bearing DL No. JK1720140028119 was disqualified by ARTO Kishtwar.
In addition, the Registration Certificate (RC) and Route Permit of the vehicle used in the offence, bearing registration number JK02DH1248, have been recommended for suspension. The proposal has been formally forwarded to the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Jammu for further action, including blacklisting of the vehicle, to ensure it is not misused again for illegal activities.
In another case, the ARTO Kishtwar disqualified the driving licence of Mohd Rajab, son of Mohd Anwar, resident of Srawan Thakrie, on 06-01-2026. The individual is an accused in FIR No. 05/2026, registered under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kishtwar by District Police Kishtwar. His driving licence bearing DL No. JK-1720160031578 was accordingly disqualified.
UT-Wide Coordinated Enforcement Against Drug Menace:
Officials said the action taken by ARTO Kishtwar is part of a Union Territory-wide, multi-agency crackdown involving Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Traffic Police, and the Transport Department. While J&K Police and NIA are intensifying intelligence-based operations to bust drug syndicates and inter-state trafficking networks, the Traffic Police and Transport Department are tightening administrative controls by suspending licences, cancelling permits, and blacklisting vehicles involved in NDPS cases, thereby cutting off logistical support to drug peddlers.
Seizure and Attachment of Properties of Drug Peddlers:
In addition to arrests and administrative actions, the UT Government has also intensified the seizure and attachment of properties, vehicles, bank accounts, and other assets of drug peddlers and drug traders under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Officials said properties acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking are being identified and attached following due legal process, with the aim of breaking the financial backbone of the narcotics trade. This hard-line approach ensures that drug traffickers do not benefit from the wealth generated through illegal activities.
ARTO Kishtwar Tasleem Javed Wani reiterated that driving licences, route permits, and vehicle registrations are privileges and not rights, and anyone found misusing them for drug-related crimes will face strict action without any leniency.
The firm steps taken by the Transport Department, in close coordination with law-enforcement agencies, reinforce the UT administration’s commitment to its “War Against Drugs” and underline the resolve to protect society—especially the youth—from the devastating impact of narcotics.
The message is loud and clear: zero tolerance—drug peddlers will face criminal prosecution, loss of licences, blacklisting of vehicles, and seizure of illegal properties.
