Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review anti-drug measures in the district and discuss further steps to strengthen the fight against drug abuse.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the concerted efforts of all departments during the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. He observed that the campaign should not remain confined to a 100-day programme but continue as a sustained movement to build a drug-free society.
SSP Mohita Sharma informed that the Police Department has recommended the suspension or cancellation of 51 driving licences and 68 vehicle registration certificates (RCs) in connection with narcotics-related offences. She further informed that during the 100-day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan the district registered more narcotics-related cases than during the entire previous year. Stringent action was also taken against drug peddlers, including demolition of illegally acquired structures and freezing of bank accounts linked to narcotics activities.
All medical shops across the district have been equipped with CCTV surveillance systems and computerised billing facilities to strengthen monitoring and ensure greater accountability in the sale of medicines.The DC directed the School Education Department to organise regular awareness sessions for students and parents during Parent-Teacher Meetings to strengthen community participation in the anti-drug campaign.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Drug Control Department to intensify inspections, conduct surprise checks and maintain vigil on the over-the-counter sale of scheduled drugs.The meeting also held detailed deliberations on consolidation of data of offenders for punitive action, including cancellation of licences, regular monitoring of contraband cultivation, identification and surveillance of drug hotspots and intensified inspections of vulnerable areas.
The DC underscored the need for close coordination among the Police, BSF, Health, Drug Control, School Education and other stakeholder departments to sustain the crackdown on drug abuse and drug trafficking across the district.
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua Mahima Madan, General Manager DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary, RTO Surinder Pal Sharma, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer and officers concerned.