SRINAGAR: During a District Level Committee meeting of Narco Coordination (NCORD) in Kupwara, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Ramzan, reported that 1,221 cases of drug and substance abuse have been identified in the district. Out of these, 703 individuals are currently undergoing treatment, while 388 cases have fully recovered. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan, highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse and addiction in the region.
The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of measures implemented to combat the issue, including awareness campaigns, law enforcement actions, and rehabilitation programmes. The DC emphasised the need for community engagement, particularly involving religious leaders, civil society members, and educational institutions, to address the problem. She also called for enhanced vigilance at identified hotspots, entry points, public places, and abandoned buildings that may be used for drug-related activities.
The CMO’s report was accompanied by updates from law enforcement. It was disclosed that 69 FIRs have been registered in Police District Kupwara, resulting in the arrest of 105 drug peddlers. Similarly, in Police District Handwara, 30 FIRs have been lodged, leading to 62 arrests. Many of those apprehended are now lodged in various jails.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of intensifying IEC campaigns, including seminars, rallies, and programmes in schools and colleges, to educate students and the public about the dangers of drug abuse. She also reviewed the functioning of the Drug De-addiction Centre in Kupwara and the Addiction Treatment Facility Centre (ATFC) in Handwara, directing authorities to enhance therapeutic management and counselling services for addicts to facilitate their recovery.
In terms of enforcement, the police were instructed to share details of properties attached to drug peddlers with Tehsildars, who will mark red entries on these properties to prevent their sale. Police patrols around abandoned buildings are to be increased, and joint visits by SHOs and Tehsildars will be conducted to ensure stricter monitoring of these areas.
The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Handwara was tasked with conducting counselling sessions for the families of drug abusers to support their rehabilitation. Additionally, it was noted that all medical stores in the district are now equipped with CCTV cameras to curb the illegal sale of controlled substances.
