SAMBA, August 31, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, IAS, on Monday chaired a district-level meeting of the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee to review ongoing measures against drug abuse and illicit narcotics activities in the district.

The meeting reviewed the Action Taken Report on decisions taken during the previous NCORD meeting and assessed the progress made by various departments in implementing anti-drug measures.

The Deputy Commissioner called for a coordinated and sustained approach involving enforcement agencies, health institutions, educational establishments and community stakeholders. She directed concerned departments to intensify preventive measures, enforcement activities, awareness campaigns, and treatment and rehabilitation services.

While reviewing de-addiction facilities, the DC stressed the need to strengthen the functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Samba. She directed the authorities to ensure that counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services remain accessible to people affected by substance abuse.

The Deputy Commissioner also emphasized stronger preventive measures in educational institutions. She called for capacity-building programmes for teachers and educators to help them identify early signs of vulnerability among students, provide appropriate guidance and spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Highlighting the importance of community participation, Ms. Sudan directed departments to expand Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, awareness drives and outreach programmes across the district.

She further stressed greater youth engagement through sports, orientation programmes and other constructive activities aimed at promoting healthy and positive lifestyles.

Ms. Sudan reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening the collective fight against the drug menace and called for regular monitoring, inter-departmental coordination and proactive action to achieve the goal of a drug-free Samba.

Senior officers and representatives from the health, education, enforcement and other concerned departments attended the meeting.