BUDGAM, JUNE 23: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat on Monday conducted the 36th meeting of District Level Committee of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the DC Office Complex here to review the action taken by the concerned departments with regard to decisions held in previous meetings.
During the meeting, a future course of action to uproot the drug menace and destruction of Narco crops was also formulated.
At the outset, DC took detailed feedback from each concerned department regarding the measures taken for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and its consumption in the district to save youth from the dangerous effects of the drugs.
He said that drug abuse is a serious problem that not only affects individuals, but also their families and communities. He stated that it is essential to tackle the issue from multiple perspectives, including deterrence, treatment and enforcement.
DC reiterated that the district administration is committed to create a drug-free environment in the district and will continue to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal.
On the occasion, DC directed Assistant Drug Controller Budgam to get CCTV cameras installed in all the drug stores and achieve 100% saturation.
He directed the Excise officer to ensure coordination with Revenue and police departments at subdivision level for imposing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking, destruction of poppy and cannabis cultivation in the district.
The chair was apprised by the Excise department that during the current financial year 2025-26, a total of 3 kanals and 3.5 marla’s of poppy cultivation was destroyed.
DC said that efforts with cooperation, coordination and collaboration are vital to contain the drug peddling and break the supply chain, besides taking stringent action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs, and cultivation of narco crops.
DC directed DSWO to complete all the formalities with regard to functioning of drug de-addiction centre Budgam so that the same is used for proper counselling and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction.
He said pro-active awareness needs to be initiated on wider levels at schools, colleges, markets, and at all busy public places to sensitize students and common masses about ill effects of drugs, as well as encouraging healthy activities and hobbies to discourage drug abuse.
DC directed all SDMs and SDPOs to involve religious scholars and imams of masjid to deliver sermons against drug abuse during prayers.
With regard to enforcement efforts, DC said district administration will ensure a zero tolerance policy against drug abuse and serious action will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking and smuggling.
During the meeting, ASP Budgam Syed Sajjad Bukhari informed that 30 FIRs have been lodged under NDPS, 10 under PIT-NDPS, besides 44 drug peddlers have been arrested during this fiscal year.
Among others, the meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, CEO, CMO, all SDMs, Assistant Drug Controller, Excise officer, Tehsildar Hq, EOs of all MCs and other stakeholders concerned.
