Shopian: Deputy Commissioner Shopian Charandeep Singh has directed the Drug Control Department to intensify inspections of medical shops, scrutinise prescriptions and conduct prescription audits where necessary to prevent the misuse and illegal sale of drugs in Shopian.
The directions were issued during a monthly meeting of the District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the Mini-Secretariat, Shopian, to review measures against drug abuse and assess the action taken by departments on decisions made at previous meetings.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Shopian Mushtaq Ahmed Choudhary, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Zakir Hussain Faaz, Principal Government Degree College Shopian Prof. Tariq Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Shakoor Ahmed Dar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Zainapora Bilal Ahmed and officers from various departments.
Singh called for stronger coordination among departments, regular monitoring and strict enforcement of laws governing narcotic substances. He directed officers to identify vulnerable areas, strengthen preventive measures and submit action-taken reports to ensure follow-up on the directions issued.
He also stressed the need for awareness programmes in educational institutions and public spaces, particularly those targeting young people, to highlight the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated Government Degree College Shopian for organising awareness camps and urged the institution to hold more drug de-addiction and awareness programmes. He said educational institutions had an important role in reaching young people and preventing substance abuse.
The Drug Control Department was asked to strengthen field-level monitoring, inspect medical shops regularly and remain alert to irregularities in the sale of medicines.