Bandipora: District Magistrate Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib and Senior Superintendent of Police Ajaz Ahmad Zargar on Friday chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee to review anti-drug measures and efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, the SSP presented a detailed review of cases registered under the NDPS and PIT-NDPS Acts across various police stations and briefed the committee on the attachment and freezing of properties belonging to drug peddlers, demolition of illegal structures and action taken in cases involving commercial quantities of narcotics.
The Deputy Director Prosecution informed the meeting about the status of NDPS cases, acquittals, bail applications and legal challenges before courts, with emphasis laid on strengthening prosecution in drug-related cases.
Reviewing enforcement measures, the District Magistrate directed authorities to take strict action against drug peddlers and expedite the cancellation or suspension of driving licences, passports, contractor cards, arms licences and other documents of individuals involved in narcotics-related offences.
She also stressed greater coordination among departments to sustain anti-drug enforcement efforts.
The meeting was informed that CCTV surveillance had been strengthened in educational institutions and identified hotspot areas. Chib directed the Education Department and principals of Government Degree Colleges to ensure installation of CCTV cameras in all schools, colleges and coaching centres, particularly in vulnerable locations.
Officials from the Education Department and colleges briefed the meeting on awareness activities conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, including debates, seminars, essay competitions and student interaction programmes aimed at sensitising youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
The Rural Development Department was directed to intensify awareness campaigns at the grassroots level through regular anti-drug programmes in wards and panchayats.
Officials from the Excise Department informed the meeting about measures taken against illicit poppy cultivation and crop destruction drives carried out in different areas of the district.
The Assistant Drug Controller presented details of inspections conducted at medical shops and action taken against violations. The District Magistrate stressed strict implementation of computerised billing systems and installation of CCTV cameras in pharmacies and medical establishments to prevent misuse of scheduled drugs.
Chib also directed the ARTO and Assistant Labour Commissioner to strengthen awareness and enforcement measures within their respective sectors.
The meeting reviewed implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), with directions issued for conducting zonal-level meetings and ensuring strict monitoring around educational institutions and public places.
Departments also presented progress reports on activities conducted under the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, including awareness drives, mega rallies, “Dosti Discussions” and IEC campaigns.
The District Magistrate stressed the need for coordinated action, continuous monitoring and active public participation to effectively combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from various departments, while some officials joined virtually.
