Zunheboto NCORD calls for coordinated action among government agencies, police and civil society to curb drug abuse and trafficking, with focus on awareness, enforcement and youth livelihood opportunities.
DIMAPUR — The District Level Committee (DLC) of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Zunheboto, has called for coordinated and sustained efforts among government departments, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations to eradicate drug abuse and trafficking from the district.
The call was made during a DLC meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office chamber on Thursday, where Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj stressed that the issue could not be tackled by a single department and required sustained joint action.
The deputy commissioner informed that the Police department had seized 18,000 SP capsules in April 2026, in connection with which two persons were arrested and proceeded against under relevant laws, a DIPR report stated.
He also noted that a woman had been found involved in drug peddling, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.
Raj observed that unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities in Zunheboto district were among the factors contributing to the involvement of some unemployed youth in drug peddling.
He called upon the concerned departments and agencies to work collectively to address these underlying issues while creating greater awareness and livelihood opportunities for young people.
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He urged the Education department to intensify awareness programmes in schools and educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining the existing 500-metre drug-free zone around educational institutions, he said the broader objective should be to make the entire district and the country drug-free.
The deputy commissioner also directed the district drug inspector to conduct frequent inspections of pharmacies to ensure that medicines and controlled substances were not misused or diverted for illegal purposes.
Raj further called for the active support and cooperation of civil society organisations and other sister agencies in the collective effort to curb drug abuse and drug peddling in the district.
Speaking at the meeting, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Zunheboto, Kupe Kapfo, informed that there had been no further seizure following the last major seizure in the district and that no poppy cultivation had been detected.
Kapfo highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of police personnel through proper training and called for joint exercises and coordinated checking operations with sister departments to prevent the trafficking and distribution of narcotic substances.
The meeting underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, preventive awareness, enforcement, pharmacy inspections and community participation in strengthening efforts to make Zunheboto drug-free.