Breaking the drug chain: Why community vigil matters
Drug abuse is no longer merely a law-and-order challenge. It is a serious threat to public health, family life, social harmony and, above all, the future of our youth. The changing nature of the illegal drug trade-with trafficking networks increasingly exploiting technology and new distribution channels-makes community vigilance more important than ever. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)??, India’s nodal agency for drug-law enforcement and coordination on drug-related matters, has rightly emphasized that enforcement must go hand in hand with awareness, prevention, demand reduction and rehabilitation. Its nationwide awareness programmes in schools and colleges, community campaigns, rallies and pledge initiatives underline an important truth: the battle against drugs cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone.
As a police officer, I have always believed that the most effective policing is preventive policing. Every consignment of drugs seized is important, every trafficker arrested is a success, but preventing a young person from becoming a victim of addiction is an even greater achievement.
It was with this philosophy that “Nasha Mukt Koshi Abhiyan” was initiated in the Koshi region of Bihar. Covering Saharsa, Supaul and Madhepura, the initiative seeks to combine stringent enforcement against drug traffickers with active participation of citizens.
A dedicated mechanism was created to enable people to confidentially share information regarding the illegal trade in substances such as cough syrup, smack and ganja. Information received through the helpline is monitored at the senior police level, enabling prompt action and enhanced accountability. Within the initial months of the campaign, coordinated action resulted in the seizure of approximately 4500 kg of ganja and 50,000 litres of illicit liquor, while more than 1,400 persons involved in the illegal trade were sent to jail, according to reports on the campaign. But enforcement is only one side of the battle. Parents, teachers, community leaders and young people themselves must become the first line of defence. Parents should notice sudden behavioural changes, unusual financial demands, withdrawal from family or changes in peer groups. More importantly, children must be approached with empathy and dialogue rather than fear and accusation. We must also remember that a person suffering from addiction needs treatment, counselling and rehabilitation. The objective should be to break the supply chain while simultaneously reducing demand. The NCB’s MANAS helpline-1933 provides a national platform through which citizens can report information relating to drug trafficking and seek assistance concerning counselling and rehabilitation, with confidentiality of the informant. The message is therefore simple: Do not ignore. Do not remain silent. Speak up!
The police will continue to act firmly against drug traffickers, but the strength of our action ultimately comes from the trust and participation of citizens. A “Nasha Mukt Bharat” as envisaged by Prime Minister cannot be built by the police alone. It must begin with a Nasha Mukt family, a Nasha Mukt school, a Nasha Mukt neighbourhood and, ultimately, a Nasha Mukt community. Let’s come together to deal with this cascading menace by joining hands. Together we can!
The writer is a senior Indian Police Service Officer of the Bihar Cadre & currently posted as DIG Koshi Range, Saharsa; Views presented are personal.
