Calls for joint efforts to combat drug abuse
DIMAPUR: The District Level Committee (DLC) for the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Zunheboto, held a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office chamber on September 3 to review the drug situation in the district.
According to a DIPR report, Deputy Commissioner, Dharam Raj, stressed the urgent need for coordinated efforts among government departments, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations to eradicate drug abuse and trafficking.
Addressing the meeting, the DC highlighted that the police department had seized 18,000 SP capsules in April 2026, leading to the arrest of two individuals under relevant laws.
He also noted that a woman was found to be involved in drug peddling, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enforcement. Observing that unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities were contributing factors to youth involvement in drug peddling, he called upon departments and agencies to work collectively in addressing the issue while creating awareness and opportunities for the younger generation.
The DC urged the Education Department to undertake awareness programmes in schools to educate students about the harmful effects of drugs. He emphasized that while maintaining a 500-metre drug-free zone around educational institutions was important, the larger goal should be to make the entire district and country drug-free.
He also directed the District Drug Inspector to conduct frequent inspections of pharmacies to ensure medicines and controlled substances are not misused or diverted for illegal purposes.
Further, he appealed to the DLC to seek active support and cooperation from civil society organisations and sister agencies, stressing that the issue could not be tackled by a single department and required sustained joint action.
Senior Superintendent of Police Zunheboto, Kupe Kapfo, informed the meeting that there had been no further seizures following the last major case and confirmed that no poppy cultivation had been detected in the district. He emphasized the importance of strengthening police capacity through proper training and called for joint exercises and coordinated checking operations with sister departments to prevent trafficking and distribution of narcotics.