Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhdeve chaired the 12th meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Mechanism at the DC office mini-conference hall on December 6.

During the meeting, committee members provided Deputy Commissioner Sukhdeve with an Action Taken Report, highlighting the progress made in addressing the concerns of the NCORD mechanism.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Shruti Arora reported that 16 drug-related cases had been registered in Leh, with 11 cases already disposed of and 25 accused arrested.
Officials apprised DC Leh that extensive awareness campaigns were organised in schools in Leh.

Furthermore, it was informed that a joint drive was also conducted and fines were being imposed on 15 shops under the COTPA Act. The CEO, Leh also informed the installation of CCTV cameras near schools to enhance security, and the Assistant Controller Drugs, Leh, was directed to conduct random checks on shops in school areas.

Deputy Commissioner emphasised a comprehensive effort from all committee members. He directed the CEO and School Principal to conduct regular Parents-Teacher Meetings and School Management Committee meetings in government and private schools, involving parents every month.

Various issues were addressed during the meeting, including moral education, concerns related to activities of the Yato Club, and parents' counseling.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Leh informed that Tele-manas are functional with 10 counselors available to assist toll-free helpline no. 14416 or 18008914416.

The meeting also shed light on the appointment of counselors in schools, with Deputy Commissioner Sukhdeve stressing the importance of a zone-wise schedule for awareness campaigns. DC Leh urged officers to recognize their responsibility in preventing the destruction of individuals and societies caused by drug abuse.

The Deputy Commissioner concluded the meeting by stating that we have seen individuals and societies at large getting destroyed by drugs and added that collective effort is needed to create a safer and drug-free environment in Leh.

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