DIMAPUR: A meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee, Kohima, was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office on October 22 under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem to strengthen grassroots-level enforcement, monitoring and inter-departmental coordination in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
During the meeting, director of Kripa Foundation, Abou Mere, spoke on the causes, prevention and treatment of narcotics and substance abuse. He identified low self-esteem, depression, personal setbacks, lack of communication, the desire for instant gratification and “King Baby Syndrome” as some of the common factors contributing to drug addiction.
Mere stressed the need for career guidance and awareness programmes to address these vulnerabilities. Reflecting on the changing nature of the drug menace, he noted that while drug addiction in the 1980s was largely confined to affluent sections of society, it expanded across socioeconomic groups during the 1990s and has now become a widespread concern affecting all sections of society.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Sr. SP), Kohima, Krodi Rhetso, thanked Kripa Foundation for its continued efforts in protecting society from the impact of substance abuse. He informed that the Home Department has been working closely with the foundation to rehabilitate affected law enforcement personnel.
Rhetso said that although police have identified major trafficking routes, smugglers continue to adopt new methods and channels for transporting contraband. He also pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed that NCORD meetings be held every month, with minutes submitted regularly to both the MHA and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Highlighting recent achievements, the Sr. SP disclosed that Kohima Police seized around 20,000 Yaba tablets during the month. He further informed that security forces, in separate operations, recovered 25 soap cases containing approximately 302 grams of heroin (Shan Flower) and six kilograms of opium.
He also linked the recent rise in theft cases in the district to youth addiction and called on all stakeholders to work together to tackle substance abuse and maintain peace in society.
The meeting reviewed ongoing activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and discussed strategies to curb drug abuse. The Drug Inspector apprised the house of recent enforcement drives, including inspections of pharmacies across the district. The department also plans to conduct sensitisation programmes for pharmacies to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs.
In his concluding remarks, DC B. Henok Buchem thanked participants for their inputs and observations, stating that their contributions would aid in formulating and implementing an effective and coordinated strategy against substance abuse in the district.
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