Narcotics drug abuse and trafficking is a worldwide phenomenon. Almost all countries of the world including India are affected by the narcotics problem either as source regions or as transit regions or as markets for narcotic drugs.
The spread and entrenchment of drug abuse has led to a detrimental impact on youths in Indian society. Increase in violence and crime is the direct impact of drug abuse. Addicts resort to crime to pay for their drugs. Drugs remove inhibition and impair judgment egging one on to commit offences. Incidence of eve – teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse. Apart from affecting the financial stability, addiction increases conflicts and causes untold emotional pain for every member of the family. With most drug users being in the productive age group of 18-35 years, the loss in terms of human potential is incalculable. The damage to the physical, psychological, moral and intellectual growth of the youth is very high. Peddlers generally target students from High Schools and colleges who are prone to suffer from depression.
In order to effectively prevent and combat the menace of narcotic drug abuse, Government of India and State Governments have taken effective measures. India is a signatory to the convention on narcotic drugs in 1961, convention on psychotropic substances 1971 and United Nation’s convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances 1988.
National policy on Narcotic Drugs and psychotropic substances is based on the directive principles contained in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution which directs that ‘The State shall Endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medical purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health’. The broad legislative policy in the matter is contained in the three Central Acts, viz-Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
Although Central and State Government agencies enforce the above Acts. But still illegal sale and consumption of narcotic drugs is found in every city and town of the country. The following measures need to be initiated to completely eliminate drug abuse and save young population from degeneration;
- Effective co-ordination among different enforcement agencies:
The overall co-ordination in illicit drug control is the function of Narcotics Control Bureau, Dept. of Revenue. The licensing functions for medicinal and scientific purposes are performed by Narcotics Commissioner at the Centre and Drug Controllers in the State. State Police organizations, Narcotic Control Bureau and other Central Government Police Organizations have enforcement powers under NDPS Act 1985 and PIT – NDPS Act 1988. The health treatment and rehabilitation of addicts are the responsibility of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the States. Meaningful interaction between these agencies, especially at cutting edge level will help in better enforcement of anti-drug abuse laws.
- Sharing of intelligence:
Many of the State and Central Government agencies works in isolation. The State Police generally catch distributors and peddlers, whereas, Central agencies concentrate more on apprehending big time smugglers. There is an urgent need to develop a system for sharing of information which would help the enforcement agencies to connect the distributors to source of supply. This is possible only if a well-knit system of intelligence is developed at the national level and state agencies share information with them.
- Concentration on source of supply:
Generally investigation officer obtain information and catch the peddlers and distributors of illegal and narcotic drugs. Many at times they fail to locate the source of supply. The link between the distributor, transporter and the supplier is missing most of the time. Generally the network of narcotic smugglers is very strong and dangerous. Exposing a drug traffic network would require years of planning, intelligence collection and sustained efforts to bust the network. Enforcement agencies should concentrate mainly on tracking the network deeply and prosecute the producers and suppliers.
- Developing special skills and dedicated units:
Investigation of illegal traffic in narcotic drugs is a specialized task. Therefore there is a need to develop special skills within State Police organizations dealing with narcotic drugs. The Investigation Officer must be trained on investigation techniques to track organized crime syndicates. They need briefing of latest case laws so that they can investigate the case in flawless manner and cases lead to conviction.
- Enhancement of punishment under Illegal Drug Control Acts:
Punishments under NDPS and other acts should be commensurate with the quantity of contraband recovered. The law should distinguish between trafficking of drugs, done by smugglers and small time sellers who are generally street peddlers. Smugglers, suppliers and members of drug indicate should be awarded enhanced punishments. Capital punishment should be provided in the NDPS Act against habitual offenders and members of drug mafia.
- Creating awareness among citizens:
Many times, students and young people may not be aware of the harmful effects of illicit drugs. Youth, especially who suffer from insecurity and depression fall prey to drug peddlers. In order to create awareness, Police organizations should join hands with Education Department, Health and Family Welfare Department and other agencies to educate students and youngsters through lectures, films and through providing literature about harmful effects of drug abuse. Effective co-ordination with Non-Government Organizations will also help in creating awareness among youth.
- Establishment of de-addiction Centers and Camps:
There are many Non-Government Organizations who run de-addiction camps where people are helped to come out of drug addiction. Some of these centers are very expensive. Therefore, Government agencies can establish district wise de-addiction centers and camps to help the affected youth. Rehabilitation and post care counseling can save many lives.
The above strategies are only illustrative in nature. Illicit Drug Traffic is a crime which affects not only an individual, but has ramifications across an entire society. It has potential to destroy an entire generation. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every section of society to help enforcement agencies of the Government to root out this menace.