‘Educate youth about detrimental effects of drug abuse’

Srinagar, Dec 17: A meeting of District level Committee on NCORD was today held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat to curb the drug menace and tighten the noose against drug peddlers in Srinagar District.

At the outset, DC took first hand appraisal from Officers of all line Departments and other stakeholders regarding the progress achieved in ongoing fight against the drug menace.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure adoption of ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ against drug trafficking to curb the menace of drugs by strengthening institutional structure, coordination among all narco agencies and extensive public awareness campaign. He added that through a coordinated and multi-pronged approach which includes prevention, enforcement, treatment, rehabilitation and IEC strategies, the menace of drugs will be eliminated from Srinagar soon.

On the occasion, the DC stressed on conducting intensified mass awareness programs to particularly educate the youth against the detrimental effects of drug abuse. He directed the Departments for organizing joint awareness programmes in collaborations with NGOs and civil society groups to spread awareness about substance abuse, both in rural and urban areas of the District.

During the meeting, the DC expressed his concern regarding the drug abuse by the youth including students and emphasised on intensifying the deterrence measures against the drug menace and its peddling particularly identified hotspots in the District.

With regard to 100% installation of CCTVs and implementation of online billing at Retail and Wholesale pharmacies, the DC asked the concerned Department to ensure all pharmacies strictly adhere to the guidelines.

During the meeting, the Officers briefed the chair regarding the action taken by their respective Departments to achieve drug free Srinagar District.

The meeting was informed that 88 cases were registered in the District involving 150 persons. The substances seized during the current year include 1.17 kg of Brown Sugar, 2.90 Kgs of Heroin, 13 Kgs of Charas besides Psychotropic Syrup 273 bottles, Psychotropic Capsules 2430, Ganja 10.16 Kgs, poppy straw/ bhung/cannabis 44.18 Kgs and cash of Rs 489696 was also realized.

In addition, to tightening noose on drug peddlers the District Police has seized properties with 4.13 crore in 10 attachment cases.

Besides, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Khalid Hussain Malik, SP Headquarter Umar Shah and SDM West, SDM East, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Assistant Labour Commissioner, the meeting was attended by the Officers of Excise Department, Drug Control Organization, Health, IMHANS, Rehabilitation Centers, Postal Department, Airport Authority and other concerned Departments.