YUPIA, OCT 9:
Papum Pare district has intensified surveillance and coordinated enforcement against drug trafficking and substance abuse, with a rise in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrests in recent years, officials said during a monthly Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) Committee meeting at the DC Conference Hall here on Friday.
The meeting was chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage, who stressed that sustained prevention, awareness and coordinated enforcement must ultimately lead to a reduction in drug-related offences.
According to district data, NDPS cases increased from one in 2019 to a peak in 2025, while eight cases were registered up to October 8, 2026. Arrests rose from two in 2019 to 29 in 2025, with nine arrests recorded up to October 8 this year. The district reported a total of 97 arrests during the period under review.
Hage observed that the increase in cases and arrests could reflect intensified surveillance and enforcement. Reviewing action taken on decisions from previous meetings, she directed the District Medical Officer to ensure that Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in hospitals become operational within two months to strengthen treatment and support for people affected by substance abuse.
She also called for coordinated efforts by the Education, Health, and Women and Child Development departments to expand awareness and outreach, particularly among students and young people. Inspections of shops near schools and anti-drug awareness activities in educational institutions were also reviewed.
Lady Inspector Michi Yania presented key provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, district-level case statistics and a mapping of vulnerable locations and routes reportedly used for drug trafficking.
Additional Superintendent of Police Moyir Basar called for collective action by all stakeholders to curb drug abuse and strengthen enforcement.
Deputy Director of Integrated Child Development Services Jaya Taba, Child Development Project Officers of Doimukh, Balijan and Kimin, representatives of rehabilitation centres, Railway Police Force personnel and other officials attended the meeting.
The district administration reiterated its focus on enforcement, prevention, treatment and public awareness to address substance abuse and protect young people. (DIPR)
