Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve chaired the 9th meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Mechanism with the concerned members at the VC room on September 18.

Discussion on the exchange of intelligence and information pertaining to the trends in drug trafficking, and monitoring the progress of investigations, particularly those cases with cross-state implications, to ensure a coordinated and effective response were discussed. Besides, the committee explored strategies to promote anti-drug abuse awareness, with a particular focus on schools and colleges and assessing the requirements for equipment used in drug detection among others.

Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhadeve stressed the importance of a collaborative and proactive approach between the Education, Health, and Police Departments in tackling the issue of drug abuse in Leh.

Further, he suggested that creative short videos on drug addictions could be a part of a sensitization program and directed the officers to work in close coordination. DC Leh also directed the officials to conduct inspection drives in a coordinated manner.

Additionally, CMO, Leh, Dr. Nurzin Angmo apprised the DC Leh about the awareness regarding COTPA Act 2023. She informed that they have organised awareness camps both in private as well as Government Schools for the whole month of September.

He stressed intensified awareness campaigns in schools & to ensure strict actions against shopkeepers violating the COTPA Act, of 2003. He instructed the officers to submit the list of shopkeepers who repeatedly violated the COTPA rules and exhorted that the District Administration would initiate strict legal actions against the violators.

He directed the Education Dept. to prepare a schedule for the awareness campaign to be held in Schools and asked to share it among the committee members.

Similarly, the Superintendent of NCB Jammu, Mohd Nawab briefed about the NIDAAN portal.

Furthermore, DC Leh directed the members to involve Yato Club in the awareness campaign.

The meeting was attended by the committee members and concerned officials.