DM orders synchronised surveillance, visible deterrence to break Drug supply chain

DODA, DECEMBER 14: District Magistrate Doda, Harvinder Singh, today reviewed the enforcement of Drug Control measures here at the 18th Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee meeting held here in the DC office.

The meeting evaluated the progress made in containing drug-menace and charted out the future course of action to curb drug abuse in the district.

SSP Doda, Abdul Qayoom, who acts as the Committee’s convener, presented the latest developments and strategies employed in the district to control drug addiction and trafficking. He informed that 69 panchayats have been declared as drug free in the district so far and 31 identified panchayats shall be declared Nasha Mukht soon by the committee after evaluating the required parameters. He applauded the efforts of the stakeholders in destroying the illicit Poppy cultivation and marking red entries in the revenue record of those proved involved in the cultivation across the district.

The SSP further informed that 5 FIRs have been logged against 6 accused for the illicit poppy cultivation. He emphasized efforts to spread mass awareness besides preventive and punitive actions. Under Operation Parhaar, the entire forward and the backward links of the persons involved in the substance abuse are being traced to break the supply chain and bring the paddlers to the task. It was informed that all the suspects are under surveillance, and disciplinary actions are imminent. 

The DM Doda urged the officers to break the supply chain by effective vigilance and timely response. He asked the Forest and Agriculture departments to destroy the wild cannabis to prevent its misuse. The ACD was instructed to present a detailed report on the declaration of 31 identified panchayats as Nasha Mukht by the end of this month. He also asked the agencies to keep an eye on the already declared Nasha Mukht panchayats to prevent future incidents of substance abuse in these areas. The District Social Welfare Officer Doda and AD FCS&CA Doda were  asked to complete the survey of substance abuse in the district for future policy and management to make Doda a drugs free district. He advocated the use of specific drug test kits to confirm drug use by suspects and directed enforcement agencies to maintain close vigil on them. Furthermore, Tehsildars and police officers were tasked with closely monitoring suspects and medical stores within their jurisdictions.

To further monitor drug abuse, the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas was emphasized, with the health department tasked to curb the illegal marketing of psychotropic drugs.

Besides, the DM urged the concerned to implement the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA 2003), around the educational institutions to prevent the children/ youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and its products.

The meeting was attended by ADC Doda Dr R K Bharti, ADC Bhaderwah Chowdhary Dil Mir, SP Headquarter Doda, SP Bhaderwah, ACD Doda Phulail Singh, SDMs, SDPOs, CMO Doda, CEO Doda, CAO Doda, DSWO Doda, CAHO Doda, ETO Doda, Dy SP Headquarter Doda, District Drug Control Officer, Nodal Officer ATF Doda, Tehsildars, SHOs and other concerned officers and officials.