Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, chaired the 6th UT-Level NCORD (Narcotics Coordination) Committee meeting virtually on June 2 to review and strengthen anti-drug initiatives across the Union Territory.

The meeting covered a wide range of drug prevention and control issues, including the regular convening of NCORD meetings, the operational status of the Drug De-Addiction Centre, the establishment of a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Ladakh, and an analysis of narcotics seizures reported in 2024.

Participants reviewed data on NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases registered from 2021 to April 2025, outpatient-reported cases of drug abuse, and successful rehabilitation outcomes from ongoing de-addiction programs. The committee also addressed challenges in restricting the sale and use of products like 'Cool Lips', and discussed the progress of awareness campaigns led by the Ladakh Police and the Department of Social Welfare.

Regarding the establishment of the FSL in Ladakh, the Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Director of FSL to ensure the laboratory becomes operational within the next three months. He further emphasized the need to appoint at least three forensic experts, based on recommendations from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), to ensure the lab functions effectively.

Dr. Kotwal also instructed enforcement agencies to carry out surprise inspections of chemist shops suspected of selling addictive substances illegally. He stressed that even a single case of drug abuse must be taken seriously, as it threatens the lives and futures of Ladakh’s youth. He highlighted the need to identify root causes and dismantle supply chains, especially in a small, closely-knit region like Ladakh.

Underscoring the role of education and public engagement, he called for robust awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and local communities to sensitize people to the dangers of drug abuse.

Key attendees included Bhupesh Choudhary, Administrative Secretary of the Agriculture Department; Shashanka Ala, Administrative Secretary of the Social Welfare Department; Sanjeev Khirwar, Administrative Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department; DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal, IPS; and senior officials from the Excise Department, Ladakh Police, and other relevant agencies.