Anti Drug Day: 'Problems of drugs need to be tackled on two fronts'

Vijay Kumar IPS, Deputy Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau, Mumbai, explains the role of NCB in tackling the drug menace and how parents and teachers can play a greater role in eradicating drug abuse.

What is significance of Anti-Drug Day in the current scenario?
Every year, 26th June is observed all over the world to create awareness about the ill-effects of drug usage and caution people about drug abuse. The main objective is to communicate a message to the masses “Say No to Drugs” and reach every corner of the world with publicity campaigns through mass media. It has a very vital significance as we make an attempt to reach all the individuals and educate them about the dangers of drug abuse. These attempts are also process driven apart from awareness campaigns.

Narcotics Control Bureau plays a vital role in spreading awareness about the perils of drug abuse. What are the key strategies to eliminate drugs from society?
Problems of drugs essentially needs to be tackled on two fronts: Firstly, supply reduction: which is to reduce the supply of drugs by enforcement, i.e., by seizure of drugs, arrest of drug traffickers etc. and secondly, demand reduction which is to curtail demand of drugs in the society through awareness campaigns, etc.       

What is the role of NCB in coordination and capacity building of law enforcement agencies?
Narcotics Control Bureau is a national nodal agency, which is tasked with capacity building and coordination work of Drug Law Enforcement Agencies throughout the country. Regional coordination meetings are conducted regularly by NCB for exchange of information and ideas. A lot of training programs are also conducted by NCB to update the knowledge, technology and capability to combat the drug menace. It monitors trends of abuse, evaluates the effectiveness of preventive policies and plans preventive strategies.

There are a lot of drugs which are used by people and many new drugs have also been found. What class of people generally abuse drugs?
Generally, ganja, hashish, heroin or brown sugar, etc are consumed. But now, cocaine, synthetic and designer drugs also are found to be consumed by a few with affluent backgrounds. These have been found regularly in the rave parties. These consumers are either unaware of the legal provisions and punishments or ignore them deliberately. It is only when action is taken against them, they understand the consequences of drug abuse which may be life changing. Drug abuse in general is not confined to any class but has found its way in small circles across the economic and social background.

Are there new ways of trafficking drugs? What steps are being taken by the NCB? 
Drug traffickers are always coming up with innovative and ingenious methods of trafficking. One of the most recent methods of distribution of drugs is “Online Pharmacies or Internet Pharmacies” wherein a person sitting in one corner of the world can place an order, purchase drugs and can get drugs from any corner of the world. Since all these are in public domain and visible to enforcement agencies, many cases have been booked against those who operate online through websites. Since all the transactions leave electronic traces, these can be easily tracked and processed in a court of law. This type of illegal trafficking of drugs is also being tackled by Narcotics Control Bureau and several such cases have been booked. 

What is the role of parents and teachers in creating a drug free society? How effective is it as compared to enforcement work?
 Parents and teachers have the most vital role in eradicating drug abuse since the activities and behaviour of children are most visible to them. They can watch their behaviour and look for signs of addiction which are a bit beyond the visual range of enforcement agencies. If effectively monitored, it will single-handedly contribute maximum to Demand Reduction of drugs since it prevents consumption in the initial stage itself. We need action oriented support of parents and teachers. If children are suspected to be abusing drugs then immediate intervention must be done and professionally qualified doctors and de-addiction centres may be contacted for help. As far as possible, confrontation must be avoided and the matter should be handled tactfully as it is a very sensitive issue.

What is your message to the people on the occasion of Anti Drug Day 2012?
I would like to advise people, especially the youth, school and college going students to stay away from drugs. Addiction to narcotic drugs is now recognized globally as one of the real dangers, which faces the world. Drug abuse is no longer confined to any culture or socio-economic strata of society but has entered all segments. It is very important to understand that it damages the individual and the society very silently. This “silent terrorism” of drug abuse destroys mankind hence it is better to say “No to Drugs” for the first time and every other time.