Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta today presided over a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the district’s overall strategy for prevention, detection and eradication of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Detailed discussions were held on enforcement measures, awareness campaigns, treatment and rehabilitation facilities and inter-departmental coordination to effectively tackle the drug menace.
The DC reviewed the action taken on previous NCORD decisions and stressed the need for real-time intelligence sharing among enforcement agencies. He directed the Police and Excise departments to intensify surveillance in identified hotspots and take strict action against those involved in drug peddling in accordance with law.
Emphasising preventive measures, the DC called for enhanced awareness programmes in educational institutions and communities with special focus on youth. The Health Department was directed to strengthen treatment services, counselling facilities and referral mechanisms, while Social Welfare and Education departments were asked to actively involve parents, teachers and community leaders in anti-drug initiatives.
The DC also directed the concerned for intensive inspection of drug stores and courier servics, besides ensuring proper CCTV footage around drug stores and educational institutions. The DC also highlighted the importance of data-driven monitoring, regular reporting and use of satellite imagery for tracking cropping patterns of narcotic crops.
The meeting was attended by ADC, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz; SDM, Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad, ASP, Shopian, Rameez Rashid, CMO, DIO, Tehsildars Principal GDC Shopian, Dy CEO, DSWO CAO, ETO and other officers.