District Magistrate orders surveillance measures for controlled drug sales

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 18, 2023

In a significant development aimed at combating drug and substance abuse among children and preventing illicit trafficking, the District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills District, BS Sohliya, IAS, has issued a critical directive under Section 133 CrPC 1973.

The order, issued in collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), mandates rigorous monitoring measures for all Medical and Pharmacy shops in the district that sell scheduled X or H drugs.

The order stated that all the Medical/Pharmacy shops of the District West Jaintia Hills District, selling scheduled X or H drugs as per rule 65 (9) (a) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 are hereby directed to install CCTV cameras inside and outside their shops.

Time period of one month is being given to all the Medical Pharmacy shop owners for installation of CCTV cameras. Footage of such cameras can be randomly checked by the District Drug Controller Authority / Child Welfare Police Officer at any time.

In case any medical shop owner fails to comply with these directions, appropriate action shall be taken against such person /owner.