As much political rhetoric and rhetoric is done on the issue of drugs in Punjab, not as much work is done to prevent it at the ground level. To a certain extent, this is the big problem, otherwise the situation of the state in terms of drug use is not much different from many other states that are struggling with it. Now there are media reports that the Punjab government is preparing a new policy to curb the menace of drugs in the state, under which special attention will be given to the aspects of drug prevention, law enforcement, de-addiction efforts and rehabilitation. In this regard, a steering committee has been formed under the leadership of Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, in which Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari has been made the nodal officer to monitor and coordinate drug addiction and rehabilitation activities. It is heard that Manipur’s policy will be studied for the new policy.
A policy can be helpful in dealing with the scourge of drugs in Punjab provided it identifies the key factors that have contributed to the large scale of the problem. If we look at the statements of the political leadership and the police, white smuggling across the border is the root cause, but it is only one side of the problem. If seen, Punjab acts as a corridor for the smuggling of expensive drugs like heroin, but the sources of supply of the drugs used within the state are also different. There was a time when it was common knowledge that the drug trade in Punjab was patronized by a few politicians in power. In this regard, legal action was also initiated against some political leaders but those cases are still pending. Apart from this, there have been revelations of the involvement or patronage of many police officers in the past few years. Even though the colors of the parties have changed, the behavior of the political parties and their leaders and public representatives has not yet come out of doubt. The series of deaths due to drugs continues.
Complaints are often made by the public that drug traffickers are being patronized and those who dare to oppose them are targeted. People have a perception that if there is political will and the police work with integrity, then Punjab can be rid of the menace of drugs very soon. There is a need for a major effort to get rid of drugs which involves social, religious and public institutions and the general public.
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