YUPIA, Oct 9: The Papum Pare district administration has intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse through coordinated enforcement, surveillance, treatment and awareness initiatives under the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism.
The issue was reviewed during the monthly NCORD Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage at the DC Conference Hall in Yupia on Friday.
According to district enforcement data, NDPS cases and arrests have increased significantly in recent years, with 29 arrests recorded in 2025. Upto October 8 this year, eight cases had been registered and nine arrests made. The data presented at the meeting also showed that a total of 97 accused had been arrested during the period under review.
Observing that the rise in cases and arrests could reflect intensified surveillance and enforcement, Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage stressed that the ultimate objective must be a sustained reduction in drug-related offences through effective prevention, public awareness and coordinated action.
Reviewing the action taken on decisions of previous meetings, the DC directed the District Medical Officer to ensure that Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in hospitals become operational within two months to strengthen treatment and support services for people affected by substance abuse.
She also called for coordinated efforts by the Education, Health, and Women and Child Development departments to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly among students and young people. Inspections of shops near educational institutions and anti-drug awareness activities in schools were also reviewed.
Lady Inspector Michi Yania presented the key provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, along with district case statistics and the mapping of vulnerable locations and routes reportedly used for drug trafficking.
ASP Moyir Basar called for collective efforts by all stakeholders to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse and strengthen coordinated enforcement.
The administration reiterated its commitment to tackling the drug menace through a comprehensive approach combining enforcement, prevention, treatment and public awareness, with particular emphasis on protecting the health and future of the younger generation.
Deputy Director, ICDS, Jaya Taba; Child Development Project Officers of Doimukh, Balijan and Kimin; representatives of rehabilitation centres and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), besides other officials and stakeholders, attended the meeting.