Chandigarh, Jun 24 (IANS): Police chiefs of seven northern states -- Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand, UP, Delhi -- and Chandigarh will meet here on June 26 for evolving strategies against drug abuse and trafficking, according to Manoj Yadava, Haryana Director General of Police (DGP), on Monday.

The meeting will discuss challenges and strategies to combat drug abuse. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will be the chief guest and will address the participants at the concluding session.

Chief Secretary D.S. Dhesi, Additional Chief Secretary S.S. Prasad and officers from the Narcotic Control Bureau will also attend the meeting.

Earlier, on Khattar's initiative, a joint meeting of the chief ministers of northern states was held on August 20, 2018 to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.

According to Additional DGP Navdeep Singh Virk, the meeting's objective is to bring about the required synergy and coordination among police forces to combat organised gangs and smuggling networks active in this region.

An overview of overall drug scenario in northern region, role of intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, creating inter-state database of drug smugglers and effective enforcement of provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 will be taken up at the meeting.