Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired the 8th UT-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, on August 28 to review action taken on decisions of the previous meeting and assess measures undertaken to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the Union Territory.

The meeting reviewed the latest status of drug-related cases, preventive and enforcement measures, awareness initiatives, and the functioning of de-addiction and support mechanisms across Ladakh.

The Police Department made a detailed presentation on the agenda points and follow-up action from the 7th UT-level NCORD meeting. The presentation also included the latest figures on drug-related and NDPS cases, Hepatitis-C cases, preventive measures, awareness campaigns conducted during 2025, and the ongoing Drug-Free Month campaign.

Reviewing the progress of drug de-addiction centres, the Chief Secretary sought updates on their operational status, emergency outreach facilities, helpline services and availability of support mechanisms. He stressed the need to ensure that the centres become fully functional within stipulated timelines and provide timely counselling and assistance to those in need.

He also reviewed the status of Tele-MANAS calls and directed the concerned departments to assess the outreach and response to drug-related concerns received through helpline and social media platforms.

On forensic and testing facilities, the Chief Secretary sought updates on the tendering process, recruitment of technical staff and availability of equipment. He directed the concerned departments to expedite the establishment and operationalisation of testing facilities to ensure that investigations are not delayed due to dependence on external resources.

Emphasising that prevention and awareness must involve all sections of society, Kundra directed the School Education Department to strengthen awareness and health-related interventions among students and explore coordinated programmes with educational institutions.

He also stressed greater involvement of religious and community leaders in awareness campaigns against drug abuse and called for their active participation in forthcoming outreach programmes.

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) presented the status of cases registered and enforcement action undertaken. The Chief Secretary reviewed the profile of persons involved in drug-related offences, the source and movement of narcotics, investigation and seizure mechanisms, highway checking and naka arrangements.

He called for stronger intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement to identify supply networks and prevent the movement of drugs into Ladakh.

The meeting also reviewed the availability and sale of substances and products linked to drug abuse, including action against the unauthorised or illegal sale of inhalant products. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned agencies to undertake coordinated checks and take strict action wherever violations are detected.

He further called for school-level health camps, screening and awareness interventions to better understand the scale and nature of the problem.
It was decided to intensify public awareness activities through a coordinated campaign involving schools, students, religious leaders, community organisations and concerned departments. The Chief Secretary directed departments to plan district-wide awareness programmes, including a march or pad-yatra involving students during the coming month, with the participation of senior leadership and community representatives.

Kundra also stressed the need for stronger inter-State coordination, particularly with neighbouring regions and major educational and transit centres, to track supply networks and address cases involving persons studying or travelling outside Ladakh. He called for regular information sharing and coordinated preventive action with the concerned authorities.

He further directed Deputy Commissioners and revenue authorities to strengthen the identification of vulnerable areas and emerging hotspots and improve coordination with parents, educational institutions and local communities.

Appreciating the efforts of the ANTF and other enforcement agencies, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for continued vigilance, stronger intelligence networks and effective coordination among the Police, Excise, Social Welfare, Health, Education and other concerned departments.

The Chief Secretary also called for greater awareness and vigilance within Army establishments and directed that coordinated awareness and intelligence-sharing mechanisms be strengthened wherever required to prevent the movement and distribution of narcotic substances.

The status of anti-drug measures in Kargil was also reviewed. Kundra directed the concerned departments to present a consolidated assessment of enforcement, prevention, awareness, health and social welfare interventions in the district at the next NCORD meeting for a comprehensive review.

The meeting was attended by DGP, UT Ladakh, Anand Jain; Divisional Commissioner, Ladakh, Shurbhir Singh; Commissioner/Secretary, Lalinthakhuma Franklin; Secretary, Finance, Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS; Secretary, School Education, Bhanu Prabha; Mandeep Mittal, IFS; SSP Leh, Shri Ram; DC Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Special Secretary, Home, Tashi Dolma; Director Health Services, and other senior officers from concerned departments.