Deputy Commissioner Leh, Santosh Sukhdeve, who also serves as the Chairperson of the NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) Leh, presided over a district-level NCORD committee meeting at the DC Office. The meeting brought together committee members to address the escalating issues of drug and substance abuse and to formulate effective prevention and awareness strategies.

Superintendent of Police, Shruti Arora, commenced the meeting with updates on drug-related cases, including the seizure of illegal substances and the tracking of offenders' histories. She presented a detailed overview of police efforts to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse within the district.

The meeting highlighted the growing prevalence of drug abuse and stressed the need for enhanced inter-departmental coordination. Participants emphasized the importance of involving key stakeholders, such as merchants' associations, schools, and local communities, in awareness campaigns and preventive measures.

Dr. Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital, underlined the increasing use of various drugs in the region. She advocated for addiction treatment to be conducted within the hospital to address societal stigma, which often discourages individuals from seeking help at standalone de-addiction centers.
Under the COPTA Act, significant quantities of illegal substances have already been seized. Efforts to involve schools and villages in COPTA-related actions were also discussed, showcasing the importance of grassroots participation in tackling the problem.

Expressing concern over the rising involvement of youth in substance abuse, DC Sukhdeve stressed the need to protect the younger generation from the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol. He called for proactive engagement from organizations like Yato Club and other local groups to counter the menace.
“This generation is being spoiled because of drugs, and we must act now. As administrators and as a society, we cannot allow this problem to escalate further. With collective efforts, especially from our youth, we will fight against this challenge,” stated DC Sukhdeve.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment to developing actionable solutions, which will be reviewed and refined in the next session.