DC Poonch reviews anti-drug measures

Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH Jan 7: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD) to review the measures in place to curb drug abuse and strengthen enforcement against the narcotic trade in the district.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Shafket Hussain Bhatt; Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; District Social Welfare Officer Khalil Ahmed Banday; Heads of GDC Mendhar and GDC Poonch, Tehsildar Mandi, Drug Inspector and other concerned officers.
SDMs and Tehsildars of Surankote, Mendhar, Balakote and Mankote joined the meeting virtually.
At the outset, the SDMs and Tehsildars presented detailed reports highlighting the prevailing situation of drug abuse, peddling and addiction in their respective jurisdictions, along with the steps taken to address the issue.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Education Department to intensify awareness campaigns in schools and colleges and emphasized strict monitoring of shops located near educational institutions to keep a check on illegal sale activities.
To enhance road safety, the DC instructed Tehsildars to establish nakas to check helmet usage and strictly enforce the ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ directive for two-wheeler riders. He also directed them to assist the Forest Department in identifying and destroying cannabis cultivation in the district.
Further, the ARTO was instructed to conduct a special driver testing drive, while the Drug Inspector and Tehsildars were asked to thoroughly examine CCTV footage of chemist shops and other locations to detect any suspicious or illegal activities.