THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 16: Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari chaired the fifth State-Level Meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) on Tuesday, emphasizing a tough stance against drug production, distribution, and consumption across Jharkhand.
The meeting, held in Ranchi, saw the participation of senior officials including Home Secretary Vandana Dadel, DGP Anurag Gupta, Social Welfare Secretary Manoj Kumar, Excise Secretary Amitabh Kaushal, and School Education Secretary Umakant Singh. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from various districts joined virtually.
Tiwari instructed district administrators and police chiefs to maintain strict vigilance and take swift, stringent action against those involved in the illegal drug trade. She also underscored the need for intensified public awareness campaigns alongside legal enforcement.
Raising concerns over the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and syrups, she directed officials to identify and dismantle such networks. Furthermore, licensed medical shop details are to be shared with the Home Secretary to facilitate action against unlicensed operations.
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Poppy Destruction in 2024-25 Six Times Higher Than Last Year
In the review, it was revealed that aggressive campaigns in 2024–25 have led to the destruction of poppy cultivation across 27,015 acres—six times higher than the 4,860 acres cleared in 2023–24. Similarly, narcotics-related cases rose from 529 in 2023 to 803 in 2024, with arrests increasing from 773 to 1,062.
Special Training, SOPs, and Interagency Coordination in Place
The state is also enhancing the capabilities of enforcement agencies. With support from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), police officers are being regularly trained on key aspects of the NDPS Act.
Ongoing sessions are also being conducted at the State Training Institute in Hotwar, Ranchi, with instructions to involve forest department personnel. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established to ensure seamless coordination between the state police and the NCB.
Emphasis on Safe Disposal and Secure Storage of Seized Narcotics
The meeting stressed the timely disposal of seized narcotics, taking serious note of delays by certain districts. Districts were instructed to expedite the process within a set timeline.
Authorities were also directed to prioritize the construction of storage facilities (malkhanas) for seized substances. In cases where land or space is yet to be identified, Deputy Commissioners were asked to intervene and resolve the matter promptly.
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Public Engagement Through MANAS Portal Yields Results
To involve the public in combating the drug menace, officials highlighted the MANAS portal, launched in July 2024. Citizens can anonymously report drug-related activities through the portal. Verified tips are rewarded financially.
The NCB reported that 60,000 such tips have been received nationally so far, with 70 originating from Ranchi.
Mandatory Purchase of Drug Testing Kits Within 15 Days
Deputy Commissioners and police heads were instructed to procure narcotics testing kits—such as DD kits, precursor kits, and ketamine kits—within 15 days. These kits, supplied by the NCB, enable preliminary tests crucial for judicial proceedings in the absence of full forensic reports.
The meeting also discussed the formation of special courts in districts for narcotics-related cases and improving financial investigation frameworks to combat drug-related crimes effectively.
