YUPIA, 9 Oct: Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage called for a sustained reduction in drug-related offences through effective prevention, awareness and coordinated action.
Chairing an NCORD committee meeting here on Friday, the DC observed that the increase in cases and arrests in recent years may be attributed to intensified surveillance and enforcement.
As per the district's enforcement data, NDPS cases registered increased from 1 in 2019 to a peak in 2025, with 8 cases registered till 8 October. Arrests rose from 2 in 2019 to 29 in 2025, with 9 arrests recorded till 8 October, 2026. A total of 97 accused were arrested during the period under review.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that intensified surveillance and coordinated enforcement under the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism have strengthened efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in Papum Pare district.
Reviewing the action taken reports of previous meetings, the DC directed the district medical officer to ensure that addiction treatment facilities (ATFs) in hospitals are made operational within two months to strengthen treatment and support services for individuals affected by substance abuse.
She also called for convergence among the Education, Health and Women and Child Development Departments to strengthen outreach and awareness programmes, particularly among students and youths.
The DC reviewed inspections of shops near schools and anti-drug awareness activities at educational institutions.
Inspector Michi Yania presented the key provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, district case statistics, and the mapping of vulnerable locations and routes reportedly used for drug trafficking.
ASP Moyir Basar called for unified efforts from all stakeholders to curb the drug menace and strengthen coordinated action.
ICDS Deputy Director Jaya Taba, the CDPOs of Doimukh, Balijan and Kimin, representatives of rehabilitation centres and the Railway Police Force, along with other officials and stakeholders, attended the meeting. (DIPRO)
