3rd Additional Sessions Judge Srinagar last week observed that the offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) are on an “alarming increase” and that our population, especially the youth is falling an easy prey to drug addiction. The addiction of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is going to ruin the vitals of our society so much so that our youth are going from bad to worse, the court said, underscoring that public abhorrence of the crime under NDPS Act needs reflection through proper judicial measures.
A drug abuser drains family resources. The danger is associated with shrinking of responsibilities, sickness and dysfunctional relationships, distortion of interpersonal relationships, violence and death of a drug abuser.
While it may be true that the abuse is a global health and social problem with conditions and causes that vary locally, it remains a prominent issue of mortality across the world and consumes lives of millions of people.
The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents and young adults has become a subject of public concern worldwide for varied consequences.
As experts would say, the geographical location helps in the easy availability of drugs in Jammu and Kashmir. The overall crisis naturally play a role but other factors like peer pressure, unemployment, easy availability of the drugs and the fact that no one wants to talk about the issue, remains the area of concern.
The covid-19 crisis may prove apposite to those dealing with illicit trade who only want and, are unfortunately getting more people to become their prey.
The fiscal downturn caused by the pandemic may drive more people to substance abuse or leave them vulnerable to involvement in drug trafficking and related crimes. Now facing more economic and allied crisis in generations, the government cannot afford to ignore the dangers illicit drugs pose to public health and safety. There is a need to treat the children differently while at the same time deal sternly with adult drug peddlers, more so with habitual offenders. Also, there is a need to stop the supply, sale and purchase of drugs and take all measures in this regard.
As observed by the court, the drug addiction among youth is resulting in so many allied crimes in the society. The protection of society and deterring the criminal is avowed object of the law and that is required to be achieved by one and all.