Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, chaired the 5th UT Level NARCO Coordination Centre (NCORD) committee meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Leh.
The committee convened to review the progress on the resolutions made during the previous NCORD meeting and discuss critical issues related to drug trafficking, prevention, rehabilitation, and awareness campaigns within the state.
Led by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Leh-Kargil Range, the meeting commenced with a comprehensive presentation addressing drug trafficking concerns and outlining prevention strategies tailored for Ladakh.
Key discussions centered on the implementation and follow-up actions of previous resolutions, with a particular focus on combating drug trafficking through stringent measures against peddlers. Strategies for rehabilitating substance abuse victims and strengthening supply chain countermeasures were also deliberated upon.
Dr. Kotwal stressed the urgent need to establish Drug De-addiction Centers (DDACs), urging officials to ensure their readiness by May 1, 2024. These centers, equipped with modern facilities and staffed by dedicated professionals, will provide vital support and rehabilitation services to individuals grappling with addiction.
Emphasizing the importance of coordination, Dr. Kotwal underscored the involvement of NGOs, religious institutions, and other stakeholders in awareness and prevention initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to effectively implement the discussed strategies, aiming to foster a drug-free and healthier society in UT Ladakh.
Among the attendees were the Additional Director General of Police, Administrative Secretaries of Social & Tribal Welfare, Health & Medical Education, and Excise & State Taxes Departments, along with other key officials. Virtual participation was also observed from the Zonal Director, NCB, Jammu; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil; Sr. Superintendent of Police, Kargil; and Chief Medical Officer, Kargil.