A day after raising concern over the alarming rise in drug abuse in Ladakh, Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of drug de-addiction centres in the Union Territory and ordered vehicle checks at key entry points to prevent smuggling.
Saxena chaired a comprehensive meeting with senior government officials, members of civil society organisations, religious bodies and NGOs on the situation at de-addiction centres.
In recent months, Ladakh has witnessed an alarming rise in drug abuse cases, particularly among youth, minors and even girls. The L-G was informed that a large number of migrant labourers had also been found indulging in substance abuse.
It was stated that since April 2025, the Psychiatry OPD at SNM Hospital, Leh, had registered 101 new opioid-related cases and 237 follow-up cases, 25 cannabis-related new cases and 39 follow-up cases, and 15 polysubstance abuse cases and 40 follow-up cases. Besides, 64 substance abuse patients had tested positive for Hepatitis C.
During the deliberations, Ladakh Buddhist Association youth wing president Jigmet Rafstan pointed to the unavailability of hard liquor at liquor stores, saying many individuals were increasingly turning to substance abuse and narcotic drugs. He suggested expanding the product range and making hard liquor available at existing wine shops.
Psychiatrists also highlighted cases in which persons habituated to daily alcohol consumption often displayed violent and delirium-like behaviour in the absence of alcohol in Ladakh and were not responding effectively to medication. Taking note of this, the L-G assured that the existing excise policy in Ladakh would be reviewed.
The L-G issued a slew of directions, including identifying and dismantling the supply chain of narcotic substances. The Ladakh Police were asked to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against drug suppliers and traffickers.
He also ordered random checking of vehicles at key entry points into Ladakh, including Zoji-La and Sarchu, to prevent the smuggling of narcotic substances into the region. The police were also directed to carry out random searches of local taxis, while vehicles found being used in drug trafficking would be impounded.
The L-G also ordered the constitution of dedicated teams comprising a social worker, nurse and attendant to respond to calls made on the helpline number.
“Concerned de-addiction centres would facilitate the transportation of patients through a dedicated vehicle for treatment and rehabilitation. These centres would be rechristened with a more suitable and socially sensitive name,” an official said.
Separate facilities and rooms would also be created for female patients and juveniles at these centres and rehabilitation centres.
“Comprehensive and consolidated data on substance abuse will be collected from hospitals, civil society organisations and private clinics to prepare a database of patients and formulate an effective long-term strategy to tackle drug abuse,” the official said.
Skill development and vocational training programmes will be introduced for recovering patients to help them reintegrate into society and earn sustainable livelihoods after discharge.
“Drug menace is a serious threat to the future of our youth and society. We must work collectively and relentlessly to eliminate this challenge from Ladakh. Have directed the DGP to take strict action against drug suppliers and peddlers, while at the same time ensuring counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration for affected individuals,” the L-G said.
