DM Bandipora chairs NCORD meeting Reviews Anti-Drug measures, directs strict action against repeat offenders

BANDIPORA : District Magistrate (DM) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Tahir Saleem Khan today chaired a District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting at the Mini Secretariat, Bandipora, to review the progress of NDPS cases and enforcement, preventive, awareness and rehabilitation measures being undertaken to combat drug abuse and narcotic trafficking in the district.
The meeting reviewed police station-wise details of NDPS cases registered, cases under investigation, arrests made, and movable and immovable properties attached. Progress on CCTV installation in identified drug hotspots, action against repeat offenders and measures to strengthen investigations and prosecution were also discussed.
The meeting was informed about the widespread awareness programmes conducted across the district, initiatives to promote drug-free campuses in Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) and other educational institutions, and the functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility, Bandipora, including the number of persons treated and provided counselling.
On the occasion, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Bandipora, apprised the meeting of action taken against driving licences and registration certificates (RCs), including licences recommended for cancellation and suspension, along with RCs suspended in connection with drug-related cases.
The meeting also reviewed impounding of passports, cancellation of arms licences and government accommodation, and withdrawal of security in appropriate cases.
The Deputy Director Prosecution briefed the meeting on the status of prosecution in NDPS cases and measures to strengthen legal follow-up. The Excise Department presented details of enforcement and preventive activities, including action against illicit cultivation and awareness initiatives.
The Drug Control Department informed the meeting about inspections of medical establishments, installation of CCTV cameras and computerised billing systems (CBS) at medical shops, notices served, licences suspended, awareness camps conducted and inspections of courier service providers to check the misuse of drugs.
The meeting also reviewed implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, including challans issued and fines imposed, besides awareness and outreach initiatives.
The District Magistrate Bandipora directed all concerned departments to intensify coordinated enforcement and preventive action against drug abuse and trafficking.
She further stressed that strict action must be taken against repeat offenders, while directing the departments to ensure effective investigation, timely prosecution, asset attachment wherever warranted, enhanced surveillance in identified hotspots and sustained awareness campaigns, particularly among youth and students.