State reports strong gains in enforcement, multi-agency action intensified
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs State-level NCORD meeting
Chandigarh, March 25 — In a major push towards strengthening the anti-narcotics framework, the 12th State-level Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today reviewed the state’s progress and outlined an integrated, technology-driven roadmap to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Director General of Police Sh. Ajay Singhal and other senior officers, reflecting a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.
The meeting was informed that enforcement actions gathered considerable momentum in 2025 compared to 2024. FIRs registered rose from 3,330 to 3,738, an increase of 12.25 per cent, while arrests climbed from 6,095 to 7,053, marking a 15.72 per cent rise. Intermediate quantity cases recorded a substantial jump from 1,985 to 2,610, up by 31.49 per cent, indicating deeper penetration into supply chains. Inter-state arrests in commercial quantity cases increased sharply from 444 to 610, registering a 37.39 per cent rise, reflecting improved interstate coordination.
Preventive enforcement also strengthened significantly, with detentions rising from 12 to 76 — a more than five-fold increase. Financial disruption of drug networks gained traction, as properties of 144 accused were attached in 2025 compared to 54 in the previous year, while the value of attached assets rose from Rs. 7.55 crore to Rs. 13.59 crore, an increase of nearly 80 per cent.
During the meeting, the reported cases of deaths due to suspected drug abuse were also reviewed and the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Senior Drug Control Officers and District Social Welfare Officers of the affected districts were instructed to further improve their responsiveness to treat and rehabilitate the drug addicts.
While reviewing the Action Taken Report of the previous NCORD meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for strict compliance with regulatory measures. He further directed that Prahari Clubs, established to combat substance abuse in educational institutions, be encouraged to actively share information on drug peddlers operating in their respective areas. The clubs providing the highest number of accurate tip-offs will be suitably rewarded on Independence Day.
Chemist shops dealing with dual-use prescription drugs have been mandated to install CCTV systems, with non-compliance attracting licence suspension. In Sirsa district alone, 1,737 medical shops were inspected over the past three months, of which around 18 per cent were found with faulty CCTV systems and nearly 27 per cent operating without a registered pharmacist, prompting corrective action.
The meeting was also informed that social security pensions of 63 repeat drug offenders have been discontinued under the welfare exclusion framework. The Food and Drug Administration has been tasked with developing a dedicated software system to monitor diversion of prescription drugs, while inspections of all de-addiction centres are being undertaken as per prescribed standards.
Taking forward directions issued by the Union Home Ministry at the Apex NCORD meeting held in January 2026, the state is moving towards network-based enforcement with mandatory investigation of financial trails, outcome-based monitoring of decisions, and establishment of a dedicated narcotics intelligence vertical. District-level roadmaps are being finalized for implementation by March 31, 2026, along with clearly defined, time-bound prosecution targets under the NDPS Act. The Chief Secretary further directed that district-level meetings be convened on a single day next month, and a consolidated report be presented at the next State NCORD meeting to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of district-wise performance.
On institutional strengthening, the meeting considered a proposal to shift the headquarters of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau from Madhuban (Karnal) to Panchkula to enhance coordination with key agencies. A dedicated police station for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force at Panchkula is also in the works to improve operational efficiency.
Further, forensic capabilities are set to be upgraded with installation of advanced equipment including GC-MS, GC-FID and UV-HPLC systems to enhance detection of synthetic drugs. Suggestions were also made to bring commonly misused pharmaceutical substances such as Pregabalin, Signature capsules and Tapentadol under the NDPS framework.
Emphasising a sustained and coordinated approach, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed all departments to ensure strict monitoring, timely implementation of action points and measurable outcomes, reiterating the state’s commitment to a comprehensive and result-oriented strategy for a drug-free Haryana.
Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA), Smt. G. Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Sh. Apoorva Kumar Singh, ADGP, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, Sh. Sanjay Kumar and SP, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), Sh. Mohit Handa, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
