Chandigarh, March 25 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the anti-narcotics strategy, the 12th State-level Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting, led by Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, convened this Wednesday to assess the state's advancements and to propose a comprehensive, technology-oriented action plan aimed at tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The meeting revealed that enforcement activities saw a remarkable increase in 2025 compared to 2024.

The number of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed surged from 3,330 to 3,738, marking a rise of 12.25 percent, while arrests jumped from 6,095 to 7,053, reflecting a 15.72 percent increase.

Cases involving intermediate quantities exhibited a significant rise, from 1,985 to 2,610, an increase of 31.49 percent, suggesting deeper infiltration into the supply chains.

According to an official statement, inter-state arrests linked to commercial quantity cases escalated sharply from 444 to 610, representing a 37.39 percent increase, showcasing improved interstate collaboration.

Preventive measures also saw a noteworthy enhancement, with detentions spiking from 12 to 76, which is over a five-fold increase.

The financial dismantling of drug networks gained momentum, as properties of 144 individuals accused were seized in 2025, up from 54 in the previous year. The value of these seized assets rose from Rs 7.55 crore to Rs. 13.59 crore, reflecting an increase of nearly 80 percent.

During the discussions, reported fatalities related to suspected drug use were reviewed, and the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Senior Drug Control Officers, and District Social Welfare Officers from affected areas were urged to improve their responsiveness in treating and rehabilitating drug addicts.

While reflecting on the action report from the last meeting, Chief Secretary Rastogi highlighted the necessity for stringent adherence to regulatory guidelines.

He also called for the Prahari Clubs, established to fight substance abuse in schools, to actively report information regarding drug dealers in their regions. The clubs providing the most accurate tips will be recognized on Independence Day.

Pharmacies handling dual-use prescription medications are now required to install CCTV systems, with failure to comply resulting in license suspension.

In the Sirsa district alone, inspections of 1,737 medical shops over the last three months revealed that about 18 percent had malfunctioning CCTV systems, while nearly 27 percent were operating without a registered pharmacist, necessitating corrective measures.

The meeting also disclosed that social security pensions for 63 repeat drug offenders have been halted under the welfare exclusion policy.

The Food and Drug Administration has been assigned the task of creating a dedicated software system to track the diversion of prescription drugs, while inspections of all de-addiction centers are being carried out according to established standards.