DC Kathua chairs NCORD Committee meet, reviews status of PSA cases

KATHUA, March 25: Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Pandey chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review anti-drug measures and the status of PSA cases. The meeting discussed issues related to drug addiction and measures taken by law enforcement agencies to curb the problem.

Assistant Drug Controller, reported that out of 416 medical wholesale/ retail shops, 364 have installed CCTV cameras for surveillance of over-the-counter drug sales. The DC directed the Police Department to ensure that CCTVs with DVRs in medical shops are functioning and their records can be used for proper vigilance.

The DC stressed the need for awareness drives and programmes to educate people, especially school and college students. CEO Kathua reported that awareness on the drug menace and its ill effects is being done in schools during morning assemblies.

To counter illegal transportation and distribution of drugs, the DC directed concerned departments to exercise enforcement, especially in private courier services. The DC also called upon ASP Kathua to use decoy methods at vulnerable points across the district to identify culprits involved in drug trafficking.

The meeting also discussed issues such as activating a helpline, identifying cannabis cultivation areas, and watchdog mechanisms by BSF.

Rahul Pandey, urged stakeholder departments to work together to combat drug abuse in the district by playing active roles in anti-drug measures. The DC also reviewed the status of PSA cases, with SSP Kathua and a Prosecutor reporting on the conviction status of reported cases.

The meeting was attended by Dy Commdt. BSF, ACR, ACD, CEO and other officers from civil administration. ADC Basohli, ADC Billawar, SDM Hiranagar and SDM Bani attended the meeting virtually.