PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Dehradun district administration has started a campaign with police, Special Task Force (STF), Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Food Safety and Drug Administration department to break the drug supply chain in the district. The additional district magistrate (ADM), K K Mishra expressed concerns over the growing use of chemical drugs among youth. He said this is a serious danger for the future.
On Wednesday, a coordination committee meeting was held in which the officials discussed ways to stop drug supply, increase awareness and take strict legal action. Mishra said that the problem of substance abuse is not only a police matter but also a social issue. He said all departments must work together to make society free from drugs. He asked the officials to run awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, Panchayats and social organisations. He said the people from every section of society should join this campaign.
Officials informed the meeting about action already taken in the district. There are 84 registered and two unregistered de-addiction centres in Dehradun. During inspection, 23 centres were found closed. Action was taken against 15 centres for irregularities. Under a drug testing drive in colleges and universities, samples of 711 suspected students were taken. All reports came negative, which was seen as a positive sign.
The Drugs inspector said that CCTV cameras are now compulsory at medical stores. Selling medicines without a pharmacist has also been banned. Police said complaints received on the Manas Helpline are being acted upon quickly. At the 30 bed de-addiction centre in Raiwala, six patients have recovered and been discharged, while treatment of 14 others is continuing.
Mishra has ordered stronger checking near schools, colleges and sensitive areas. Besides, CCTV cameras will be increased in such places. Anti-drug committees in all educational institutions will also be made active again.
Mishra also asked to promote helpline numbers 1933 and 9625777399 so that people facing addiction problems can get help on time.
