KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Pandey chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to discuss anti-drug measures in the district.
The meeting discussed issues related to drug addiction, areas of concern and hotspots of drug abuse, and measures taken by law enforcement agencies. The DC stressed on mapping vulnerable spots in the district and providing awareness to community members. The DC asked Chief Education Officer Kathua to launch an awareness campaign in schools and for proper counselling of parents during parent-teacher meetings.
To counter over-the-counter sale of psychotropic drugs, the DC directed Assistant Controller Drugs to check CCTV recordings at chemists and maintain vigilance.
The DC called upon Additional District Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates to ensure enforcement in their jurisdictions and identify illegal cultivation of poppy and other illicit drug crops through a team comprising officers from Agriculture, Revenue and Police departments. The DC also asked Chief Medical Officer to direct Block Medical Officers to share data regarding drug addicts reported in routine OPDs and during treatment in emergency wards.
It was apprised by Senior Superintendent of Police Kathua that the police department has taken up awareness drives in educational institutions as part of their anti-drug measures.
Besides other district officers, the meeting was attended by Assistant Drug Controller. ADC Billawar, ADC Basohli and SDM Bani attended the meeting virtually.