Srinagar, Oct 28: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired the 15th UT-level NCORD Committee meeting, emphasizing AI-driven tools, stronger prosecutions, and stricter enforcement to combat the drug menace in J&K.
He called for enhanced conviction rates and coordinated, technology-led efforts toward a drug-free UT.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department; Director General of Police (DGP); Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), CID; Principal Secretary, Home Department; and other senior officers from the civil and police administration. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from all districts participated through video conferencing.
At the outset, the Chief Secretary underscored the critical importance of strengthening the legal and institutional framework to ensure higher conviction rates under the NDPS Act. He directed the Police and Law Departments to collaborate closely to devise a strategy for improving prosecution outcomes.
The Chief Secretary further called for developing an AI-enabled system to assist in the preparation of watertight charge sheets and directed IGP Jammu to lead the development of this module in coordination with the Prosecution and Law Departments.
He further instructed that all bails and acquittals granted in commercial quantity cases be promptly challenged, and directed the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Investigating and Prosecuting Officers to avoid common procedural lapses that hinder successful convictions.
Highlighting the need for vigilance in the health sector, the Chief Secretary asked for a robust monitoring mechanism to track medicines prescribed to de-addiction patients to prevent misuse.
He directed the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to enhance the pace and quality of sample testing to ensure timely generation of credible reports.
He also called for a review of long-pending NDPS cases, identification of reasons for procedural delays, and necessary corrective measures. He emphasized capacity building of investigating officers, prosecutors, and legal personnel to enhance the overall effectiveness of the anti-narcotics drive.
Directing intensified surveillance around identified drug hotspots, particularly near coaching centres and private educational institutions, the Chief Secretary stressed safeguarding the youth from drug abuse.
He reiterated the need for mapping both backward and forward linkages in every case to dismantle the entire narcotic supply network. He also suggested cancellation of driving licences of habitual offenders and other preventive actions, asserting that there can be no scope for complacency in combating this social evil.
The Chief Secretary instructed all districts to convene NCORD meetings regularly, ensure attendance of senior officers, and upload the proceedings on the national portal without fail.
He also reviewed the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on earlier directions, including monitoring of untraced cases, status of investigations, invocation of PITNDPS Act against peddlers, trials in absentia, and functioning of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.
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