DC Poonch chairs NCORD meeting to review anti-drug measures

Emphasizes Inter-Departmental Coordination, Community Involvement to eliminate the menace
POONCH: To further strengthen the anti-drug measures, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District-Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD). The meeting reviewed ongoing drug control measures and assessed the performance of enforcement departments in curbing drug trafficking and abuse.
The meeting was attended by SSP Shafket Hussain Bhat; ADC Tahir Mustafa Malik; ACR Mohammad Sayeed; CMO Dr. Mohammad Parvaiz; District Social Welfare Officer Khalil Ahmed Banday, Medical Superintendent, ACP, college heads, Tehsildars, CID officials, Inspector MVD, Drug Inspector, Forest Department representatives and other concerned officers.
The Deputy Commissioner held an in-depth review of anti-narcotic operations across tehsils. SDMs and Tehsildars presented area-specific reports on the status of drug addiction and the monitoring of chemist shops. The ACP informed that Panchayat-level anti-drug campaigns have already begun, with encouraging community participation.
The College Principals shared details about students’ awareness and prevention programs being organised in the Educational Institutions. The CMO highlighted ongoing counseling services, medical interventions, and sensitization drives being carried out through health centers.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the DSWO to intensify the awareness campaign, while directing the College Principals to mobilize the NSS units for such initiatives in their localities. He stressed the importance of involving high and higher secondary schools in awareness efforts to secure the future of youth and prevent them from falling into harmful habits.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) was directed to take timely action to eliminate cannabis plantations and enhance surveillance to prevent illicit cultivation.
The SSP presented recent enforcement data and called for continued coordination among departments. He also directed law enforcement units to submit monthly reports on drug-related cases and trends for a more structured approach toward tackling the issue.