PASIGHAT : The 23rd meeting of the District Level Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) Committee reviewed anti-drug enforcement and rehabilitation measures in East Siang district on Wednesday, with authorities directing stricter action against non-compliant rehabilitation centres and illegal sale of intoxicants.

The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, was chaired by East Siang In-charge Deputy Commissioner Pebika Lego, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters), and attended by members of the District NCORD Committee and representatives of stakeholder departments.

Reviewing the Action Taken Report (ATR) of the previous meeting, the committee was informed that a monitoring team led by Sub-Divisional Officer (Judicial) Makbul Siram had inspected all seven de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in the district.

The team recommended the temporary closure of three private rehabilitation centres for failing to comply with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The committee was also informed that the Assistant Commissioner, Sadar-cum-Town Magistrate, had directed nine educational institutions to strictly implement the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines and comply with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

The Police Department reported that joint enforcement drives with the district administration and the Department of Tax and Excise led to raids and inspections across the district, resulting in the seizure of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), beer and breezer products from various locations.

The Department of Industries informed the meeting that recovering addicts were being provided vocational and skill development training in computer applications, mushroom cultivation and electrician trades to support their rehabilitation. During the month, one recovering addict was successfully reintegrated into society, while 16 inmates completed their rehabilitation programme.

Chairing the meeting, Lego directed the immediate closure of rehabilitation centres found violating prescribed SOPs. She also instructed the Departments of Tax and Excise and Police to conduct regular joint inspections and initiate stringent action against repeat offenders involved in the illegal sale of liquor, tobacco and narcotic substances. She further directed strict action against bars and late-night DJ establishments found violating prescribed norms.

Emphasising sustainable rehabilitation, Lego urged the Department of Industries to coordinate with other departments and stakeholders to create employment opportunities and facilitate the social reintegration of recovering addicts. She also sought the support of Women Against Social Evils (WASE) in coordination with line departments to eliminate illegal social activities in the district. (DIPR)