DC Srinagar along with SSP reviews Anti-Drug measures; Calls for Intensified Crackdown on Drug Networks

SRINAGAR : The monthly District Level Committee on Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo here at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to assess the effectiveness of ongoing enforcement and preventive strategies being implemented in the district.

Senior Superintendent of Police(SSP), Dr. Sandeep Chakravarthy was also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that intensified enforcement actions must be taken against drug peddlers and their networks. The participants called for strengthened inter-agency coordination among enforcement, regulatory, and health departments to ensure sustained action against drug-related activities.

At the outset, the Committee conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing enforcement measures particularly under the ongoing 100 days campaign of Jammu and Kashmir Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.

The Committee emphasized intensified enforcement actions against drug peddlers and their networks calling for a sustained crackdown on drug peddling and its networks. It also stressed stringent enforcement, stronger strategy to combat narcotics trafficking in Srinagar district, besides more NDPS-linked confiscations to crush the drug networks.

The Committee strongly emphasized the need to intensify Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, particularly in educational institutions and coaching centres, to effectively sensitize youth about the severe and far-reaching consequences of drug and narcotic substance abuse. It further called for a sustained awareness drive to build resilience among young people against drug addiction.

Directions were also issued to actively promote sports and recreational activities among youth, especially in identified drug-sensitive and hotspot areas, as a proactive preventive strategy to channelize their energy in constructive pursuits and safeguard them from the menace of substance abuse.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to further strengthen inter-agency coordination among enforcement, regulatory, health departments and other stakeholders to ensure sustained, coordinated and effective action against drug-related activities in the district. He highlighted the critical need to systematically dismantle the logistical and support networks facilitating drug peddling operations.

The DC also directed the RTO, Drug Controller and Police authorities to continue strict and resolute action against the persons found involved in drug trafficking or facilitating drug peddling, making it clear that no leniency would be tolerated. He further called for the comprehensive approach comprising focused enforcement, preventive awareness campaigns, and robust rehabilitation interventions to effectively address and eradicate the drug menace in Srinagar district.

He stated that the District Administration is fully committed to safeguarding society, particularly the youth from the adverse impact of drug abuse.

The SSP Srinagar on the occasion, asserted that stringent action against identified drug hotspots will be further intensified and that drug peddlers will be dealt with firmly through criminal prosecution and all other punitive measures available under law, with zero tolerance and no leniency.

The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir and Deputy SP Headquarters also apprised the meeting regarding recent decisive enforcement actions taken against drug peddlers in the district.

During the meeting, it was informed that, amid ongoing 100 days Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign, the District Administration in coordination with the Police and other stakeholder departments has launched a massive crackdown on drug peddlers and trafficking networks.

The NCORD meeting was informed that District Police has registered 26 FIRs and arrested 39 involved persons so far. Additionally nine (09) Hotspot areas have been identified across the District and regular Naka checking /patrolling is being conducted on these hotspot areas and proper surveillance is being kept in order to prevent drug peddling in the District. Moreover, 157 CCTVs cameras are installed on identified hotspots in District Srinagar for proper monitoring and surveillance.

Similarly, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir, as part of its anti-drug enforcement efforts, has disqualified 73 vehicle licences and seized 65 vehicles under the NDPS Act.

The Drug Control Department has also carried out large-scale inspections of pharmaceutical and chemist shops across various areas of Srinagar and suspended six (06) drug licences under the relevant provisions of the Act.

Likewise, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has also undertaken multiple enforcement actions against offenders and registered multiple cases under relevant provisions of law.

The meeting was attended by Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, Dy SP Shah Sleeth, SDM West, Iefan. Bahadur, SDM East Zubair Ahmad and officers from Excise, Drug Control Organisation, heads of Anti-Trafficking Forces and other concerned departments.