Of late, there have been concerted efforts on part of the government to defeat the scourge of narcotics in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a recent success, around 30 kilograms of cocaine were seized from two individuals hailing from the neighbouring state of Punjab, who were travelling in a motor vehicle. The confiscation potentially thwarted the perilous impact the quality of the cocaine could have on the lives of numerous young individuals. In the last year, an overwhelming 8,000 kilograms of illicit narcotics have been obliterated.
Officials said that in order to plug any loopholes on part of administration, action has been taken against IOs/prosecution in NDPS cases which have been dismissed by the trial courts for any shortcomings or discrepancies during investigation.
There is a need to take all the measures to eradicate the evil in its entirety and for it, fool proof system needs to be put in place to convert most of the arrests into convictions. As has been pointed out by the Chief Secretary, there is need for framing well thought out guidelines for declaring the Panchayats as ‘Drug Free’ in consultation with different agencies like PRI members, Police, Health, Education, RDD, Revenue and Social Welfare Departments.
In order to ensure that the illicit trade of drug trafficking is curbed effectively, he said, the Police and District administration need to attach the properties of drug dealers as provided under the relevant rules governing it. He observed that the wrongdoers need to be dealt with iron hand to save the youth from becoming prey to their nefarious designs.
The educational institutions also need to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity there to local police for investigation so that the Schools and Colleges do not become victims of such immorality.
Also, there is need for focus on drug de-addiction centres. The concerned agencies must get to the “big fish” and it should be targeted on priority.
The long-drawn-out battle against the narcotics demands unwavering and sustained commitment by all the agencies and not just police. It is important that all agencies concerned coordinate and synergize efforts to defeat the menace. The fight against the drug menace needs unwavering and determined resolve and must be continued on all fronts to achieve the success to save the youth and their families together. The wrongdoers need to be dealt with iron hand to save the youth from becoming prey to their nefarious designs.
