Leh: The Chief Secretary, Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal, chaired the 6th UT-Level NCORD committee meeting virtually Monday to review and strategize efforts to control drug abuse in UT Ladakh.
The meeting deliberated on a range of issues concerning drug control and prevention including holding of regular NCORD meetings, the status and operationalization of the Drug De-Addiction Centre, the establishment of a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Ladakh, and the analysis of narcotics seizures reported in 2024.
Data was also shared regarding NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases registered from 2021 to April 2025, OPD-reported drug abuse cases, and successful rehabilitation stories from the de-addiction programs.
Challenges in curbing the sale and use of products like ‘Cool Lips’ were discussed, along with the ongoing anti-drug awareness campaigns spearheaded by the Ladakh Police and the Department of Social Welfare.
In regard to the establishment of the Forensic Science Laboratory in UT Ladakh, the Chief Secretary instructed the Deputy Director, FSL, to ensure operationalisation of the lab within next three months.
He further recommended that, based on advice from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), at least three forensic experts should be appointed to ensure its effective functioning.
Dr Kotwal also directed the enforcement agencies to conduct surprise inspections on chemist shops involved in the illegal sale of addictive drugs.
Cautioning against the growing trend of drug abuse, he stated that even a single case must be treated with utmost seriousness, as it endangers the lives and future of the youth.
He underscored the importance of tracing the root causes and supply chains, especially in a small and closely-knit region like Ladakh and called for robust awareness campaigns at the school, college, and community levels to sensitize the youth and public about the dangers of drug abuse.
Key attendees included Administrative Secretary, Agriculture Department, Bhupesh Choudhary; Administrative Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Shashanka Ala; Administrative Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Sanjeev Khirwar; DGP S.D. Singh Jamwal, IPS; senior officers from the Excise Department, Ladakh Police, and other concerned stakeholders.
