3rd UT Level NCORD meeting for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS. The meeting witnessed active participation from key officials representing various stakeholder Departments, including the 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.
A wide range of pressing issues concerning the prevalence of drugs in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands were thoroughly discussed during the meeting. Stakeholders shared valuable insights and proposed effective strategies to combat the drug menace, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts and coordinated action to achieve the three pronged goals of Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, and Harm Reduction pertaining to narcotic substances in the Islands.
Chief Secretary, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, commended the ongoing efforts to combat drugs and underscored the urgency of establishing a drugs-free environment in the Islands. He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to eradicate drugs from the region and called for the development of an effective mechanism for inspecting incoming cargo and enhancing rehabilitation facilities in the Islands. The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolve to work collectively towards the goal of #DrugsFreeIslands.
Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, DGP, A&N Islands emphasized the need to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and thorough financial investigation in all NDPS cases. Meanwhile, the general public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or substance abuse to the Police immediately at 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 informant will be kept confidential, and he/she will be appropriately rewarded, as stated in a press release from SP (CID)