DC Namchi Chairs Monthly Narco Coordination Meeting for Namchi District

Namchi, January 24 (IPR): Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, presided over the first Narco Coordination (NCORD) meeting of 2025 for the Namchi District today at the District Administrative Centre (DAC). The meeting focused on the ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse and illegal trafficking in the district.
Among those present were Dr. S N Adhikari CMO Namchi, Mr. Nim Pintso Bhutia SDM (HQ) Namchi, Ms Vinita Pradhan, ASP (Special Branch) Namchi, Mr Sonam Ongdup Bhutia Special Branch Namchi, Mr. Passang T Lepcha ASP Namchi, Mr Shyamal Tamang SI, Mr Gopal Sharma Joint Director, Education Department, Ms Sobha Gurung AD (Sports and Youth Affairs Department), Mr Sanjiv Das Rai RTO (Motor Vehicle), Mr Palzor Wangdi Bhutia AC Excise, Mr Bhim Bdr Dahal ASI Excise, Ms Dimee Bhutia WI Social Welfare Department and Ms Megha Pradhan Protection Officer.
During the meeting, the DC emphasised the need for increased vigilance in monitoring student attendance at coaching centres, particularly to ensure that they are not engaging in drug use.
She also urged for heightened awareness regarding the presence of minors in bars and shops, calling for strict enforcement of the legal drinking age, which prohibits selling alcohol to individuals under 21.
The DC further advocated for the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in liquor stores across the district as a measure to monitor underage individuals. She reiterated the importance of not permitting shops near educational institutions, places of worship, and hospitals, in line with district regulations.
Additionally, she encouraged unannounced inspections of liquor, medicine, and ration shops, as well as regular checks at roads and checkpoints. These actions are intended to prevent the illegal sale and distribution of drugs and alcohol, while ensuring that confiscated substances are promptly disposed of.
She called for constant vigilance from all departments, particularly focusing on lesser-known shops and locations, which could serve as potential sites for illicit activities.
Furthermore, she urged all participating departments to work collaboratively, with a focus on tangible outcomes in the fight against addiction, as these monthly meetings are crucial to the district’s ongoing efforts.
Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia SDM (HQ) Namchi, suggested that each department prepare and submit detailed reports on their respective programmes to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at reducing drug abuse. These reports would help in assessing progress and identifying challenges at the end of the year based on statistical data.
Mr Passang T Lepcha ASP Namchi, provided an update on recent developments in NCORD initiatives, highlighting the positive impact of control measures which have resulted in a reduction of drug trafficking, consumption, and distribution in the district.
Mr Gopal Sharma Joint Director Education Department, discussed the success of awareness programs in secondary and senior secondary schools. He proposed the expansion of these campaigns at the cluster level across the district to further engage students in drug prevention efforts.
Mr Janjeer Das Rai ARTO (Motor Vehicle), addressed the importance of conducting mass vehicle checks to deter substance abuse among drivers. He also emphasised the need for ongoing awareness programs to ensure that drivers are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on the road.
Mr Palzor Wangdi Bhutia AC Excise, shared the results of recent inspections and raised concerns regarding challenges encountered during the auditing process.
Ms Megha Pradhan Protection Officer, highlighted the issue of students being involved in drug use through intermediary roles in bars. She proposed the establishment of a de-addiction centre in the district to better support children dealing with addiction and withdrawal symptoms, noting that counseling sessions alone are often insufficient in such cases.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to continue working together towards reducing addiction and combating illegal drug activities in Namchi District.
The NCORD meeting serves as an important platform for ongoing collaboration between various departments to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.