Port Blair, Mar 10: The 3rd UT Level NCORD meeting for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands was successfully convened on Friday, 08/03/2024. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary A&N Islands Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS. The meeting saw active participation from key officials from all stakeholder departments, including Andaman & Nicobar Police, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Coast Guard, Andaman & Nicobar Command, as well as departments of Health, Education, Social Welfare, Customs, Port, CISF and Airport Authority of India.
During the meeting, various pressing issues related to the scourge of drugs in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands were discussed comprehensively. Stakeholders shared valuable insights and proposed effective strategies to combat the drug menace, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts and coordinated action in achieving the three pronged goals of Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction and Harm Reduction, in respect of narcotic substances in the Islands.
Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, DGP A&N Islands reiterated the need to further strengthen the inter-departmental coordination and emphasized upon intelligence sharing and thorough financial investigation through backward and forward linkages in all NDPS cases.
Further, the Chief Secretary A & N Islands Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, while complementing the on-going efforts to fight against the menace of drugs, highlighted the urgency of creating a drugs-free environment in the islands and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to eradicate drugs from these islands. He also called for developing an effective mechanism for checking incoming cargo and improving the rehabilitation facilities in the Islands. The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolve to work together towards achieving the goal of #DrugsFreeIslands.
General Public is requested to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or substance abuse to the police immediately on the following telephone numbers- 100/112, 232586, 233307, 9531856080. Together, we can create a safer and drug-free society for everyone. The identity of the informer will be kept secret and he/she shall be suitably rewarded.
