District-Level NCORD Meeting Held at the Chamber of District Collector Namchi

Presiding over the meeting, DC Ms Anupa Tamling emphasised the key objectives of the NCORD initiative – to disrupt and reduce both the supply and demand chains of illicit substances.

She lauded the Police Department for their commendable efforts in apprehending drug peddlers, marking a significant mark in busting the supply chain in Namchi District and the state of Sikkim.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Social Welfare Department, which include the formation of Nasha Mukt Cells in each department.

Furthermore, she introduced the concept of ‘Sahyogi Mitra’ – dedicated personnel to be stationed in schools and departments, serving as key contacts in supporting drug prevention and facilitating assistance to those in need. She also informed the house that all programme permission being issued by the district administration has one condition of conducting a small talk on Nasha Mukt program during the program. Stakeholders need to ensure that the organising committees abide by this condition.

She extended a warm welcome to the Anti-Drugs Squad from Melli and the Drug Safai Abhiyan team from Jorethang, expressing gratitude for their active roles and encouraging similar units to be established across the remaining areas of the district.

Sr SP Namchi Mr Karma Gyamtso Bhutia, provided an update on the district’s recent achievement in combating substance abuse.

He stated that since the last NCORD meeting, ten drug-related cases have registered with the help of the public through their reporting in the helpline number introduced by the Namchi police. Further, several other cases are currently under close surveillance.

Additionally, there has been a significant rise in the enrolment for Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) during the first week of May, following major drug seizures in the district.

He also highlighted the ongoing campaign titled ‘Stop Drugs Before They Spread’ initiated by Namchi District Police. He called for a collaborative meeting involving local bazar communities, ward panchayats, bank officials, taxi and truck associations, and the Education Department to further strengthen grassroots-level prevention.

He stressed the need to tackle drug use at the village level before it becomes widespread. He urged the public to use the district’s helpline number – 9046245044 – to report suspected drug activities, assuring complete confidentiality and full police support.

CMO Namchi Dr S N Adhikari, also introduced newly sample testing kits capable of detecting substance consumption, which are set to undergo trial runs.

DC Ms Anupa Tamling and Sr SP Mr Karma Gyamtso Bhutia both acknowledged the critical role played by the Drug Safai Abhiyan and community volunteers in promoting public awareness. They expressed appreciation for the awareness rallies and educational campaigns organised to combat substance abuse.

Mr Bishal Sharma, Information Officer of SARATHI (Sikkim Anti-Drugs and Rehabilitation Association Towards Healthy Individuals), presented an overview of the organisation – an initiative inspired by the vision of the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).

He elaborated on the Sarathi 1.0 programme, which focuses on three strategic pillars: school-based prevention, community outreach, and rehabilitation support. The organisation also promotes psychological first aid and mental wellness to help prevent substance misuse.

The meeting concluded with strong commitments from all stakeholders to make Namchi a substance-free district. The collective efforts of various departments, law enforcement, health services, and community organisations reflect a united front in addressing the menace of drug abuse.

Also present during the meeting were ADC (HQ) Mr Subash Ghimirey, Additional SP (SIB) Mr S K Gupta, SARATHI I/O Mr Bishal Sharma, and representatives from line departments, Sarathi, and Drug Safai Abhiyan.