DC Budgam chairs 13th NCORD meeting; reviews measures against drug menace

BUDGAM, July 17: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Akshay Labroo on Monday conducted the 13th meeting of District Level Committee of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, here to take review of the action taken by the concerned departments with regard to decisions made in previous meetings.

The future course of action to uproot the drug menace and destruction of Narco crops from Budgam District was also formulated during the meeting.

 At the outset, the DC took detailed feedback from every concerned Department regarding the measures undertaken for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and its consumption in the district to save youth from the dangerous effects of the drugs.

The DC said that drug abuse is a serious problem that not only affects individuals, but also families and communities. He stated that it is essential to tackle the issue from multiple perspectives, including deterrence, treatment and enforcement.

He reiterated that the District Administration is committed to create a drug-free environment in the district and will continue to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal. 

On the occasion, the DC directed Assistant Drug Controller Budgam to install CCTV camera in the drug stores and achieve 100% saturation. He also directed Excise Officer to ensure coordination with Revenue and police departments at sub-division level for imposing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking, destruction of poppy and cannabis cultivation in the district.

He said that efforts with Cooperation, Coordination and Collaboration are vital to contain the drug peddling and break the supply chain, besides taking stringent action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs, and cultivation in narco crops.

He further directed Excise Officer to initiate legal paperworks in Police Stations on regular basis whenever there is destruction of any poppy or cannabis cultivation in the District.

The DC said there should be 100% geotagging of destroyed cultivation and all the land under cultivation of poppy or cannabis be geo-tagged.

He directed DSWO to complete all the formalities with regard to functioning of Drug de-addiction centre Budgam  so that the same is used for  proper counselling and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction.

Akshay stressed that pro-active awareness be  initiated on wider levels at Schools, Colleges, markets and at all busy public places to sensitize students and common masses about ill effects of drugs as well as encouraging healthy activities and hobbies to discourage the drug abuse.

The DC directed all SDMs and SDPOs to involve religious scholars and imams of masjids at high scale who will deliver their sermons against drug abuse during Friday prayers.

With regard to enforcement efforts, the DC said District Administration  will ensure zero tolerance policy against drugs abuse and  serious action will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking and smuggling, 

The DC said the drug menace is a major threat to the socio-economic structure and it has become imperative for the entire society to come together to uproot this menace and work as a strong entity to make Budgam a healthy and drugs free District.

During the meeting, SSP Budgam Al-Tahir Gilani talked about the overall scenario of drug abuse in district and measures taken to curb the menace.

He threw light on various dimensions related to drug abuse and its peddling network and ways to break the chain.

The meeting among others was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Al- Tahir Gilani; Additional District Development Commissioner, Dr. Akramullah tak; CEO, CMO, all SDMs, Assistant Drug Controller, Excise officer, Tehsildar (Hq) and other concerned.