Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, chairs a meeting of the District Committee for the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the DC's Chamber in Kohima on July 3 to review measures against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, JULY 3 (MExN): The District Committee for the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Kohima, reviewed the district's anti-drug measures on July 3, with Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem calling for stronger coordination among departments to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Chairing the meeting in his office chamber, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed action taken since the previous NCORD meeting, including inspections of pharmacies, and urged all concerned departments to intensify coordinated efforts in addressing drug-related issues across the district.
The Drug Inspector informed the committee that audits and surveys of pharmacies are being conducted throughout 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 retail pharmacies. During inspections, officials verify invoices, storage conditions, disposal of expired medicines, availability of Schedule H1 drugs and CCTV records.
The Police Department reported that four persons had been arrested in recent drug-related cases. It also informed the meeting that Drug Intervention Programmes (DIPs) have been activated in all colonies and that drug-free zone initiatives are being implemented.
The department expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of drug use among school students and stressed the need for stronger preventive measures and awareness programmes in educational institutions.
During the discussion, the Deputy Commissioner sought information on techniques and tools available for detecting drugs in schools. The Drug Inspector stated that testing largely depends on the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), where reports often take several months due to limited resources, affecting timely investigations. The meeting also discussed changing methods adopted by drug traffickers and the legal procedures to be followed while acting on credible information.
The School Education Department informed the committee that students found using drugs are provided counselling, while strict measures are being enforced against the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions in accordance with existing regulations. The meeting also discussed the need to strengthen drug detection mechanisms and rehabilitation efforts.
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