Intensify action against drug peddlers: DC Pulwama

Pulwama, Nov 26: Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Wednesday chaired the 28th District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting at the Administrative Complex Pulwama to review the ongoing measures for curbing drug and substance abuse in the district.
At the outset, the DC conducted a detailed department-wise review of enforcement actions, counselling interventions, awareness programmes and monitoring mechanisms implemented by the concerned departments.
He emphasised the need for strengthened inter-departmental coordination and intensified action against drug peddlers to ensure a comprehensive response to the menace of drug addiction.
Departments including Police, Health, Education, Revenue, Agriculture and Horticulture presented their achievements aligned with the targets set in the previous meeting and outlined their action plans for the coming months.
Dr. Qayoom called for a re-evaluation of Drug-Free Panchayats in line with the latest parameters and directed that other panchayats be assessed on the same standards for their declaration as Drug-Free. He stressed active involvement of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the second phase of the IEC campaign and instructed that one doctor from each health centre and one teacher from every educational institution be identified and trained as counsellors.
The DC directed the Education and Police Departments to maintain strict vigil on schools and colleges, particularly in shadow areas, and ensure regular frisking in educational institutions to prevent student involvement in drug-related activities.
The DC instructed for stringent measures against persons involved in drug trafficking, including attachment of movable and immovable properties under relevant legal provisions. He further directed officers to provide suitable crop alternatives as a rehabilitative support for cultivators.
Reviewing the status of cases under the NDPS Act, Dr. Qayoom stressed the importance of time-bound disposal of pending cases and called for strict monitoring of investigation and prosecution to ensure effective deterrence.
The meeting was attended by SSP Pulwama, Tanushree; SSP Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad Bhat; Assistant Commissioner Revenue Pulwama; and officers from Police, Health, Education and other sectoral departments.