BANDIPORA: District Magistrate Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib on Wednesday directed departments to intensify coordinated enforcement against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking, with particular emphasis on repeat offenders, stronger investigations and timely prosecution.
Chib, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora Tahir Saleem Khan, chaired a district-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the Mini Secretariat to review enforcement, prevention, awareness and rehabilitation measures.
The meeting reviewed police station-wise details of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, investigations, arrests and attachment of movable and immovable properties. Progress on CCTV installation at identified drug hotspots and measures to strengthen investigations and prosecution were also discussed.
Officials briefed the meeting on awareness programmes conducted across the district, initiatives to promote drug-free campuses in government degree colleges and other educational institutions, and the functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility in Bandipora, including treatment and counselling services.
The Assistant Regional Transport Officer apprised the meeting of action taken against driving licences and vehicle registration certificates in drug-related cases, including licences recommended for cancellation or suspension and registration certificates suspended.
The meeting also reviewed action concerning passports, arms licences, government accommodation and security in appropriate cases.
The Deputy Director Prosecution briefed the meeting on the status of NDPS cases and measures to strengthen legal follow-up, while the Excise Department presented details of enforcement against illicit cultivation and its awareness initiatives.
The Drug Control Department reported on inspections of medical establishments, installation of CCTV cameras and computerised billing systems at medical shops, notices issued, licences suspended and inspections of courier service providers to prevent the misuse of drugs.
Implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, including challans issued and fines imposed, was also reviewed.
The District Magistrate directed departments to strengthen surveillance in identified hotspots, ensure timely prosecution and attach assets wherever warranted. She also called for sustained awareness campaigns, particularly among youth and students, alongside coordinated preventive measures to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
