ZANSKAR: As part of its ongoing community policing initiative, Police Station Zanskar on Friday conducted an Anti-Drug and Cybercrime Awareness Programme for members of the Market Association in Padum, urging traders and business owners to remain vigilant against drug abuse and the growing threat of online financial fraud.
The awareness programme brought together shopkeepers, traders, business owners, carpenters, vehicle repair mechanics and other members of the local business community for an interactive session on narcotics-related offences and cyber safety.
Addressing the gathering, the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Zanskar, highlighted the social and legal consequences of drug abuse and addiction, while explaining the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Participants were encouraged to remain alert and immediately share any information regarding drug trafficking or consumption with the police to support efforts against narcotics.
The session also focused on the increasing incidence of cybercrime, with police officials cautioning participants against common online frauds such as phishing attacks, OTP scams, UPI and QR code frauds, fake customer-care calls, social media impersonation and fraudulent investment schemes.
Participants were advised not to disclose sensitive banking information, including account details, passwords, ATM PINs and one-time passwords, and to verify the authenticity of digital transactions before transferring money or sharing personal information online.
Police officials also familiarised attendees with the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, explaining that prompt reporting of cyber fraud could facilitate faster police intervention and improve the possibility of recovering lost funds.
Members of the Market Association welcomed the initiative and assured the police of their cooperation in preventing drug abuse and cybercrime through greater public awareness and community participation.
Police said similar outreach programmes would continue across Zanskar as part of sustained efforts to strengthen community policing, promote cyber awareness and encourage collective action against narcotics and organised cyber fraud.
