Northeast Desk, 3rd August: A district-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting was convened at the conference hall of DAC Pakyong, focusing on strengthening inter-departmental cooperation to combat drug abuse and the narcotics trade in the district.
Led by Agawane Rohan Ramesh, IAS, District Collector Pakyong, the meeting was attended by key officials including Karma Gyamtso Bhutia, Sr. SP Pakyong, Thendup Lepcha, SDM Rangpo, Rinzing Chopel Rai, ASP Pakyong, SP Bhutia, DFO (T), Amit Singh, SSB Commandant, Narayan Mishra, Joint Director of the Education Department, Sunita Dahal, Welfare Officer, and representatives from the Agriculture Department, Motor Vehicle Division, Excise Department, and SARATHI Coordinator.
Key discussions during the meeting addressed several critical issues:
- Trafficking of Drugs via Courier Packages: Strategies were discussed to curb the trafficking of drugs through courier services.
- Illicit Cultivation of Cannabis: Measures to prevent and eliminate the illegal cultivation of cannabis were considered.
- Illicit Alcohol Production and Consumption: The need to address and control illicit alcohol production and consumption was emphasized.
- Sale of Tobacco Products Near Educational Institutions: The enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools was a focal point.
The meeting also highlighted strategies for addiction management, focusing on harm reduction through hospital-based rehabilitation and addiction treatment programs within the district.
The need for an innovative public awareness program was underscored to create a significant impact on community awareness about drug abuse.
To sustain momentum in addressing drug-related challenges effectively, it was decided that NCORD meetings will be conducted monthly, on the first Friday of every month.
This coordinated effort marks a significant step towards a comprehensive strategy to combat the drug menace in Pakyong district.