DIMAPUR: A meeting of the District Committee for the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem at his office chamber on July 3 to review Kohima district’s efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
According to DIPR report, chairing the meeting, the DC reviewed action taken since the last sitting, including inspections of pharmacies, and urged all departments to strengthen coordinated efforts against drug related issues.
The Drug Inspector informed that audits and surveys of pharmacies were being carried out across the district. Inspections of 15 retail pharmacies and five wholesale establishments found them compliant with prescribed norms. Kohima district currently has seven registered wholesalers and around 70 registered retailers. During inspections, invoices, storage conditions, disposal of expired medicines, availability of Schedule H1 drugs and CCTV records were verified.
The Police Department reported enforcement activities, including the arrest of four persons in recent drug related cases. It also highlighted the activation of Drug Intervention Programmes (DIPs) in all colonies and ongoing implementation of drug free zone initiatives. Concern was expressed over rising drug use among school students, with emphasis on stronger preventive measures and awareness programmes in educational institutions.
The DC sought information on drug detection techniques in schools. The Drug Inspector explained that testing largely depends on the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), where limited resources often delay reports, affecting timely investigation. The meeting also deliberated on evolving methods adopted by traffickers and the legal procedures to be followed when acting on credible information.
The School Education Department informed that students found using drugs are provided counselling, while strict measures are enforced against tobacco sales near educational institutions. The meeting further discussed strengthening rehabilitation efforts and exploring suitable drug detection mechanisms.
