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Maharashtra government seeks to ban sale of objectionable drugs

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To curb the growing addiction to narcotics among collegians, the state government has decided to impose a ban on the sale and use of these drugs.

BJP minister Girish Bapat said students are buying mephedrone and other such drugs frequently. “Currently, these drugs are not included in the prohibited list, and so, the state has no right to take action against pharmaceutical stores selling them. Hence, we have decided to submit a list of these drugs to the Centre. It can include them in its Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 1985, list. That will impose a permanent ban on their sale in market,” Bapat said.

The state has also decided to conduct awareness campaigns against use of these drugs on college campuses. “Posters and banners will be displayed depicting the side effects of the drugs. Handbills will be distributed near railway stations, slums and colleges. The Mumbai Police are conducting a drug-free campus programme too. NGOs are also extending their help in this. We are committed to controlling the use of these drugs,” added Bapat.

As part of the action, pharmaceutical stores found selling the objectionable drugs were forced to down shutters for two to eight days. “So far, we have taken action against 30 stores, and 12 have gone to court against our decision. Besides mephedrone, Corex cough syrup and others are the drugs students are addicted to. The drugs are made for a specific purpose but are used for another. We will find some concrete solutions,” said Bapat.

Congress legislator Amin Patel said there are many pharmaceutical shops illegally selling these drugs at high rates. He also alleged that government officials are hand in glove with the shops, and hence, these drugs are freely available. “Shops were closed down as a way of action, but one week later they opened again under different names in the same locality. This isn't possible without the blessings of government officials,” said Patel.

BJP legislator Yogesh Sagar said the police found around 400 bottles of Corex in the flat of a collegian. “It is shocking and alarming. The government needs to take the right steps, or the entire young generation will fall in the trap of drug peddlers and syndicates,” he added.

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