CCTV installation, courier monitoring, inter-state coordination among key Anti-Drug measures; 518 awareness programmes, 104 jelpline, NCORD reviews strengthen Anti-Drug drive

Fazil Mir

Jammu, Feb 7 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday said that it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to effectively tackle the growing menace of drug addiction across the Union Territory.

In a written reply to a Question tabled by MLA Yudhvir Sethi regarding the measures taken to combat drug abuse, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the government of J&K by the Health & Medical Education Department, informed the House that strict action is being taken against violations of the Drugs Act, especially in cases involving the sale of narcotic and psychotropic substances. To prevent misuse of drugs prone to intoxication, CCTV cameras have been installed in medical sale establishments, and a computerised billing system for procurement and sale of medical products has been made mandatory.

The reply further stated that no fresh or renewal drug sale licence is being granted without installation of CCTV cameras. As of now, the target to install CCTV systems has been achieved 100 percent, while computerised billing coverage has reached 99.9 percent across the Union Territory.

The Government also said that Drug Control authorities are maintaining strict vigil over courier service providers to curb the clandestine inflow of intoxicating drugs. In addition, collaborative efforts are being carried out with State Drug Controllers of neighbouring States and Union Territories to restrict interstate smuggling of such medicinal preparations.

To further strengthen enforcement, the department is conducting joint exercises with allied enforcement agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Excise Department, Police, Revenue authorities and Air Cargo units, aimed at tackling illicit trafficking and supply chains of intoxicating drugs.

The reply added that regular inter-departmental NCORD meetings are being held at UT and District levels, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioners, respectively, to monitor steps being taken for eradication of drug abuse and menace in society.

During the year 2025–26 (up to December 2025), the Government said that a total of 518 awareness programmes have been conducted across Jammu and Kashmir to sensitise people about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

The Government further informed that the Toll-Free Helpline (104) is being widely publicised during awareness programmes and through print and electronic media, enabling citizens to lodge complaints regarding illegal sale and misuse of drugs.

The written reply was submitted by the Health & Medical Education Department in the Legislative Assembly. (KNC)