File Photo: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh (Press Trust of India)
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said drug abuse in some parts of the country is causing an alarm and youths should be protected from it.
Reviewing the working of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi, Mr Singh directed the officials of the Home Ministry and the NCB to expedite all pending proposals so that the drug control agency functions as one of the premier organisations to check the flow of narcotics in the country.
He also said youth should be protected from this menace which is creating an alarm in some parts of the country, an official release said.
There have been reports that many youths in Punjab and a few other states are addicted to drug and other narcotic substances.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on radio in December 2014, had termed as "devastating" the drug addiction menace, saying the money spent by youth on drugs could be funding terrorism.
In an emotional appeal to youths to say "no" to drugs, Mr Modi had said a toll-free helpline would be set up soon to assist those seeking solutions. He said the society as well as the government will have to work together to combat the problem.
Through a presentation by the NCB, the Home Minister was apprised today about the drug scenario in India.
Mr Singh was also apprised about the trafficking of drugs from South West Asia through land and maritime routes. The issue of opium, cannabis, hashish, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances were also discussed in detail.
The Home Minister reviewed the counter-strategies against drugs which included enforcement (supply reduction), demand reduction and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
The ongoing national and international operations to check the drug menace, strengthening and upgradation of intelligence network, upgradation of surveillance equipment and future requirements such as the setting up of training academy and drug labs and museums were also reviewed.