Baramulla: Jan 25: Amid intensified anti-drug campaign in the district, Police Drug De Addiction Centre (PDDC) Baramulla has witnessed a decline in the number of people seeking treatment for substance abuse in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, In-Charge of the Police Drug De Addiction Centre Baramulla said that in 2023, 439 patients visited the centre, as compared to 484 in 2022. So far, 21 patients have availed the facility this year.
“Last year, 52 patients were admitted to the In-Patient department (IPD) and 387 were treated in the Out-Patient department (OPD) aged from 15 – 35, So far, 03 patients were admitted to IPD and 18 were treated in OPD,” he said.
The official said that the centre has a capacity of 08 beds and provides free accommodation and counselling to patients. A counsellor, a social worker, a pharmacist, multi-purpose workers, and some security personnel are posted in the centre.
The officer further said they are constantly running awareness campaigns regarding drug abuse as well as domestic violence and day-by-day awareness is increasing among the people.
“Last year, 61 awareness campaigns were conducted. The first phase was conducted with schools, and in the second phase we reached out to far-flung areas, it is still underway and is being conducted at the community level in which household ladies and Asha workers participates.”
He said Tata Science of Social Workers has an on-going project with Women’s cells Baramulla. “Some of their workers also accompany us during campaigns to raise awareness about domestic violence.”
The centre does not have any separate ward for female patients, which raises a major concern. However Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure said they are in the process of expanding this centre on a large scale.
“People also wish that operations of the Police Drug De Addiction centre should be expanded and we have also received the directions from higher ups to expand the facility. Soon, people will get a better facility.”
He further said we have intensified the action against drug peddlers which has resulted in the registration of NDPS cases in huge number.
“The action will continue until all drug dealers/ peddlers get booked and people can get rid of this menace.”
It is worthwhile to mention that, Police have intensified the actions against drug peddlers. In 2023, 264 cases were registered, 464 persons were arrested – 389 under NDPS and 75 under PSA, property worth 03 cores of 07 drug peddlers were attached, drugs of 16 cores were seized, Bung cultivation on 67 Kanals and 10 marlas and drugs of 34 crores were destroyed in Baramulla district. This year, so far 15 cases have been registered and 29 drug peddlers were booked.
