KATHUA, JANUARY 17: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to discuss the measures to curb the drug abuse and narcotic trade in the district. During the meeting, threadbare discussion was held on various issues related to incidence of drug addiction besides measures taken by law enforcement agencies to curb the menace. Assistant Drug Controller, Kathua apprised the meeting that out of total 403 medical Wholesale/ Retail shops so far 280 shops have installed CCTV cameras for proper surveillance of sale of over the counter drugs. The DC called upon the Assistant Drug Controller, Kathua to ensure installation of CCTV in all pharmaceutical stores across the district. While interacting virtually with ADCs and SDMs, the DC laid stress for organizing mass awareness drives on Drug abuse in their respective areas with active participation of the Police Department. He further directed SDM Hiranagar to keep a high vigil in border areas of the district which are vulnerable to drug trafficking. The DC directed the Social Welfare Department to make a list of addicted persons undergoing treatment at Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) so as to ensure their proper care and rehabilitation. The meeting also discussed the role of social welfare, education, health, youth services and sports for drug demand reduction strategies, rehabilitation, de-addiction and mental health counseling etc. The DC impressed upon the stakeholder departments to work with synergy to combat Drug Abuse in the district by playing an active role in anti-drug measures. The meeting was attended by SSP Kathua, Dy Cmdt. BSF, ACR, and other officers from civil administration.
