The District Level Committee (DLC) for the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Zunheboto, held a meeting at the DC’s office chamber on September 3, with the Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among government departments, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations to eradicate drug abuse and trafficking from the district.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the police department had seized 18,000 SP capsules in April 2026, in connection with which two individuals were arrested and proceeded against under the relevant law. He also noted that a woman was found to be involved in drug peddling, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.
The DC observed that unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities in Zunheboto district were among the factors contributing to the involvement of some unemployed youth in drug peddling. He called upon the concerned departments and agencies to work together in addressing the issue while also creating greater awareness and opportunities for the youth.
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Calling for active participation of the Education Department, the DC urged it to undertake awareness programmes in schools and educate students about the harmful effects of drugs. He emphasised that while the existing focus on maintaining a 500-metre drug-free zone around educational institutions was important, the goal should be to make not only schools but the entire district and the country drug-free.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the District Drug Inspector to conduct frequent inspections of pharmacies to ensure that medicines and controlled substances are not misused or diverted for illegal purposes.
He further urged the DLC to seek the active support and cooperation of civil society organisations and other sister agencies in the collective effort to eradicate drug abuse and drug peddling from the district. He stressed that the issue could not be tackled by a single department and required sustained joint action.
Speaking at the meeting, Senior Superintendent of Police Zunheboto, Kupe Kapfo (NPS) informed that there had been no further seizure following the last major seizure in the district, and added that no poppy cultivation had been detected. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of police personnel through proper training and called for joint exercises and coordinated checking operations with sister departments to prevent the trafficking and distribution of narcotic substances.
The meeting underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, preventive awareness, enforcement, pharmacy inspections and community participation in strengthening the district’s efforts towards a drug free Zunheboto.
