Drug problem in Punjab – A promise to keep

Source: The post drug problem in Punjab has been created on the article “A promise to keep” published in Indian Express on 26th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Paper 3 – Internal Security – Organised crime

News: The article discusses Punjab’s struggle with drug problems and efforts by the government to stop it.

What is the scale of the drug problem in Punjab?

From April 2022 to February 2023, Punjab Police filed 11,156 drug-related FIRs, with 25% pertaining to pharmaceutical drugs (such as nasheeli goliyan)

The number of individuals grappling with addiction at 10 lakhs

Women are notably involved in 10% of these drug cases, highlighting gender-specific impacts.

The state has seen a persistent rise in drug activities since 2019, except for a brief dip during 2020 due to COVID-19.

Despite efforts, 266 deaths were reported due to overdoses from 2020 to 2023,

What are the reasons for the drug problem in Punjab?

Geographical Vulnerability: Punjab’s position as part of the Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan) facilitates its role in the heroin and cocaine trade, leading to widespread substance abuse.

Poverty and Socioeconomic Issues: The involvement of women in drug cases, many from denotified tribes or rural backgrounds, illustrates how poverty pushes individuals into the narcotics trade.

Systemic Loopholes: Major drug dealers continue to evade arrest shows the challenge in dismantling organized networks.

Availability: The transition from heroin (Chitta) to pharmaceutical opioids (nasheeli goliyan) reflects changing drug preferences and availability.

What initiatives have been taken by the Punjab government?

Awareness and Rehabilitation Campaigns: Initiatives like cyclothons, street plays, and gully cricket aim to raise awareness and promote rehabilitation.

Setting Up All-Women Anti-Drug Committees: In some villages of the Malwa region, these committees are formed to combat drug abuse and support affected families.

Legislative Action: FIRs and legal actions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act have been significantly employed, with 11,156 cases filed between April 2022 and February 2023.

For more information on Indian governments initiative to regulate drugs trafficking read hear

Way forward

Punjab must escalate actions against the drug networks and improve education and employment options for those most at risk. Strengthening legal systems is essential to close loopholes that allow trafficking to persist. Sustained focus on rehabilitation programs and targeting top-tier traffickers will help diminish the narcotics supply and demand.

Question for practice:

Discuss the extent, reasons for, and the government’s response to the drug problem in Punjab