Jammu Tawi, May 18 -- The police and civil administration on Sunday launched a crackdown at an infamous drug hotspot in Samba district and demolished 33 structures illegally built by alleged drug offenders by encroaching government land worth around Rs 60 crore.

The demolition drive was carried out at Balole Khad in Bari Brahmana, identified by authorities as one of the major drug hotspots in the district.

Police said the illegally-raised structures were allegedly being used for storage, concealment and supply of narcotics, particularly heroin, and had become a safe haven for drug peddlers and habitual offenders.

Habitations had been built by encroaching on a government-owned industrial land, posing a serious threat to youth and public...