Ladakh Gears Up for Massive Anti-Narcotics Operation After Top Meet

Leh: In a decisive move against rising substance abuse, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Tuesday convened a comprehensive review meeting that brought together senior administrators, doctors, community leaders and NGOs. The objective was to evaluate the scale of the drug problem and finalise a coordinated strategy. Saxena instructed authorities to launch a sweeping campaign targeting drug cartels. Directions were issued for rigorous vehicle inspections, close watch on taxis and heightened vigilance at key entry points like Zojila and Sarchu. Sensitive locations such as schools, colleges and tourist hubs will receive extra monitoring to protect youth. An integrated helpline 112 will soon be operational, offering round-the-clock support to affected families. A dedicated team will coordinate transport, counselling and rehabilitation. The LG also announced plans to partner with Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital for mindfulness and retreat-based psychiatric care. He emphasised that curbing supply must go hand in hand with robust demand-reduction measures, including counselling and sustained rehabilitation. Stakeholders were called upon to unite for a drug-free Ladakh.