Multi-agency panel to crack down on online drugs menace in district

Nagpur: In view of the increasing trend of using darknet and other online platforms to sell and procure narcotics, a district-level multi-agency anti-narcotics surveillance committee has been formed in Nagpur to bring about an integrated approach in the fight against drugs menace.
After cases of narcotics being supplied through postal services came to light in the recent past, postal department too has been roped in to help keep tab on such couriers.
During the maiden meeting of the newly formed committee, making Aadhaar submission mandatory, apart from prescription of a registered medical practitioner, for purchasing certain categories of anti-depressants, sedatives and such addictive drugs was discussed.
With the involvement of different agencies, a more comprehensive approach is set to replace the earlier police-centric model. Though the police department would continue its crusade against the narcotics, it would now be assisted by other departments too.
The committee, headed by officers of the rank of deputy commissioner of police (in city) and SP (in rural), also has members from Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), central excise and customs, state excise, civil surgeon and revenue department. Regional officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) will also be part of the committee.
DCP (crime) Chinmay Pandit, who chaired the committee’s first meeting, said the aim is to have a multi-pronged strategy for an integrated action against drug cartels and narcotics racketeers. “There is a perceived increase in use of darknet and online platforms by the racketeers, which needs to be brought under vigilance and curtailed,” he said.
Pandit also said the committee would meet every month to review action taken. “The objective is to increase coordination among various departments and rope them into action,” he said.
It’s learnt the committee would also try to create database of peddlers and action taken against them. The committee also plans to collect information about inmates of rehabilitation centres and their history of addiction and substance abuse.
To ensure proper investigation followed by conviction, officers concerned would undergo training, it is learnt.
Moreover, a widespread awareness campaign about substance abuse and it’s ill-effects on an individual would be also undertaken shortly.