Jammu, Feb 7 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that a comprehensive zero-tolerance approach has been adopted to effectively combat the drug addiction menace across the Union Territory.
Replying in writing to a question raised by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, the Health & Medical Education Department, as per news agency JKNS, said stringent action is being taken against violations of the Drugs Act, particularly in cases related to the sale and misuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
The government said that to prevent diversion and misuse of intoxicating medicines, CCTV surveillance has been made mandatory in all medical sale establishments, while a computerised billing system for procurement and sale of medicines has also been enforced. It was informed that no new or renewal drug sale licence is being issued without CCTV installation. As on date, 100 percent CCTV installation has been achieved, while computerised billing coverage stands at 99.9 percent across J&K.
The reply further stated that Drug Control authorities are keeping a close watch on courier service providers to curb clandestine inflow of intoxicating substances. In parallel, coordinated efforts are underway with Drug Controllers of neighbouring States and Union Territories to prevent inter-state smuggling of such medicinal preparations.
To strengthen enforcement on the ground, joint operations are being conducted with allied agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau, Excise Department, Police, Revenue authorities and Air Cargo units, to dismantle illegal trafficking and supply networks of intoxicating drugs.
The government also informed the House that regular inter-departmental NCORD meetings are being held at both UT and district levels under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioners respectively, to review and monitor measures aimed at eliminating drug abuse from society.
Highlighting public outreach initiatives, the reply said that during 2025–26 (up to December 2025), as many as 518 awareness programmes were organised across Jammu and Kashmir to educate people about the harmful consequences of drug addiction.
It was further stated that the toll-free helpline number 104 is being widely publicised through awareness campaigns as well as print and electronic media, enabling citizens to report illegal sale and misuse of drugs. (JKNS)
