DC Kathua reviews anti-drug measures at District NCORD Committee meeting

KATHUA, October 31: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to discuss and review measures to curb the drug abuse and narcotics trade in the district.

The meeting discussed at length the issues related to the incidence of drug addiction, areas of concern and hotspots of drug abuse besides measures taken by law enforcement agencies to curb the menace.

The Assistant Drug Controller informed that a total of 496 CCTV cameras were installed in the pharmacies, which will help to keep a check on over the counter sale of psychotropic drugs. He further apprised that a total of 15 shows cause notice were issued to the defaulters.

The DC directed ADCs and SDMs to keep a strict vigil on the sale of OTCs besides conducting random inspection of pharmaceutical shops to ensure the functioning of CCTV surveillance systems. He further directed SDM Bani to check and prevent the cultivation of the narcotic and psychotropic substances in hilly terrain of the region having a history of reporting such incidents.

While discussing the registration status of existing de-addiction centers operating in the district, the DC was informed by the Medical Officer that there are two registered De-Addiction centers. The DC asked the concerned authorities to take action against unregistered de addiction centers operating in Kathua.

Taking review of the Nasha Mukat Panchayat campaign, the DC was apprised by SDM Bani that two panchayats namely Dullangal and Pakaoka are under consideration for declaration as Nasha Mukt Panchayats. He further directed ADC, SDM and Tehsildar to carry out the task of identifying and declaring the target number of panchayats in their respective areas.

The DC directed the Excise and Taxation Officer to undertake regular enforcement drives in collaboration with the police department to check the menace of production and sale of illicit liquor.

The DC asked the Chief Education Officer to launch an extensive awareness campaign in the schools to sensitize the students about hazards of drug menace.

The meeting was attended by ADC, ASP, officers of BSF and Civil administration. ADCs of Billawar and Basohli and SDM Bani attended the meeting virtually.