District Level NCORD Committee reviews measures to curb drug menace in Kathua

Kathua : Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to discuss measures to curb the drug abuse and narcotic trade in the district.

During the meeting, the DC directed the Agriculture department to work in tandem with the Forest Department to undertake destruction drives in areas where wild growth and illegal cultivation of cannabis and poppy are reported.

The DC called upon the Commandant, BSF to follow a two-way mechanism of information sharing with civil and police administration so that necessary checks on narco activity in the border belt can be ensured.

He said a high vigil is required in areas along the international border as the area has witnessed attempts to push narco drugs from across the border. While reviewing the Drug de-addiction and rehabilitation scenario in the district, the DC directed CMO and Assistant Controller Drugs to inspect private rehabilitation centres and close unregistered establishments or such rehab centres which are not adhering to the laid down guidelines.

Regarding the status of installation of CCTV surveillance systems in pharmacy shops to keep a check on the unauthorised sale of drugs, the DC directed Assistant Controller Drugs to enforce the mandatory installation of CCTVs in all such establishments dealing with the over the counter sale of medicines within specified timelines.

He also called for taking stringent measures such as suspension of drug sale licenses, imposition of hefty fines so as to make these establishments accountable for sale of prescription drugs.

The DC also called upon ADCs and SDMs to ensure that regular awareness drives be conducted in schools and colleges where officers of civil and police administration educate young students about the ill effects of drug abuse and motivate them to choose a healthy lifestyle.

The DC directed ACD Kathua to take up aggressive awareness drives in Panchayats and hold Special Gram Sabhas under ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan to sensitize masses about the negative impact of drug menace in the society.

SSP Kathua, R.C Kotwal, CEO Kathua P.L Thapa, DSWO Kathua Abdul Rahim and other concerned officers were also present.