CS Reviews Tech driven strategies against drugs at 16th NCORD review meet

Jammu : The 16th Union Territory-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was Tuesday chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to comprehensively review enforcement, prosecution, treatment, and rehabilitation measures aimed at combating the drug menace, and to chart out a more stringent, coordinated, and result-oriented strategy across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police, all concerned Administrative Secretaries, the Director General of Prosecution, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and other senior civil and police officers. The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, along with Deputy Commissioners and District SSPs, participated through video conferencing.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary called for a stringent approach to combat drug trafficking and peddling, mandating that offenders should not benefit from government systems. He outlined a multi-faceted strategy consisting of five key pillars, including intensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns aimed at reducing demand and raising awareness about the legal and health consequences of drug abuse. The need for grassroots counselling services and strong enforcement measures, such as the cancellation of licenses and strict legal actions, was highlighted. A comprehensive rehabilitation framework was proposed, focusing on Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) and the reintegration of recovered individuals into society, supported by inter-departmental coordination. The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the low conversion rate of FIRs to convictions in drug-related cases, directing the use of video conferencing for expedited trials and a review of systemic delays in prosecution. The meeting also addressed the need for a more effective regulatory framework for drug de-addiction centers and strict actions against pharmacies violating drug control norms. The use of satellite imagery for detecting illicit cultivation was encouraged, along with the establishment of Command Centres for real-time monitoring of hotspots. The Chief Secretary called for enhanced training for Investigating Officers and public awareness initiatives at local levels. Significant actions taken included the registration of 1,863 FIRs and the arrest of 2,592 individuals in drug-related cases, with improved judicial outcomes resulting in 229 convictions. The financial disruption of drug syndicates was noted, with Jammu and Kashmir ranking third nationally in property attachments under narcotics provisions. Seizures of various drugs and the destruction of illicit cultivation were reported, alongside extensive community engagement efforts. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, emphasizing the need for coordinated, technology-driven, and community-supported actions to enhance enforcement, prosecution, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.