Srinagar : The 17th Union Territory-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was Tuesday chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who undertook a comprehensive review of the Union Territory’s performance in stringent enforcement of drug laws, prosecution of offenders, and treatment and rehabilitation of victims affected by substance abuse.
The meeting was attended by the Director General, Police; Director General, Prosecution; Principal Secretary, Home; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; and other senior civil and police officers, while Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police from all districts participated through video conferencing.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to strengthen the legal framework surrounding NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases and address procedural gaps. He instructed the Law Department to consider implementing video conferencing for recording statements from in-service witnesses, particularly when officials are transferred, to maintain trial continuity and reduce delays. The Chief Secretary also called for a comprehensive analysis of acquittals in NDPS cases to identify and assign responsibility for any investigative or procedural shortcomings. To enhance enforcement strategies, he highlighted the importance of investigating both backward and forward linkages in drug trafficking and actively challenging bail orders to deter offenders. A clear strategy to dismantle drug peddling networks was advocated, along with strict actions against identified offenders. The Chief Secretary proposed non-kinetic measures against violators, such as the cancellation of driving licenses and passports, and scrutiny of financial transactions to disrupt illicit proceeds. In terms of rehabilitation, he directed the training of a significant number of counselors to be available in schools, colleges, and health centers, facilitated by trained Self-Help Group members. The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) was tasked with creating a pool of master trainers to ensure ongoing skill development through refresher courses. The Chief Secretary also mandated that Deputy Commissioners ensure the operational status of inpatient facilities in drug de-addiction centers and that the Health Department adhere to protocols for essential medicines. He called for strict enforcement of legal provisions regarding vehicle seizures under the NDPS Act. During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary, Law, Achal Sethi, presented data on NDPS case trends, highlighting delays in case disposal and suggesting measures to reduce backlogs. IGP Crime, Sarah Rizvi, reported that in 2026, 542 NDPS cases had been registered, resulting in 716 arrests and the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately ₹18.49 crore. The year has seen an increase in commercial quantity cases, with 31 registered compared to 19 the previous year. The meeting revealed that 10,956 NDPS cases are pending in various courts, including 6,156 in Special NDPS Courts. In 2025, 1,991 cases were instituted, with only 483 disposed of. Prosecution efforts included challenging bail orders, with 91 challenges in 2025 and 57 in 2026. Conviction rates were reported at 135 in 2024, 140 in 2025, and 23 in 2026 to date. The meeting also noted successful establishment of linkages in 24 cases, leading to property attachments and bank account freezes, alongside non-kinetic measures such as the recommendation for cancellation of 489 driving licenses and suspension of 700 vehicle registrations due to illicit activities. Participants engaged in detailed discussions on enhancing enforcement mechanisms, improving rehabilitation measures, and ensuring the swift disposal of cases to maximize penalties for offenders, thereby creating a robust deterrent against drug trafficking and abuse in the Union Territory.
