27% youths involved in drug abuse: Thakur

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 24

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday said it was a matter of concern that 27 per cent youths were involved in drug abuse and steps need to be taken to check the menace.

This was stated by the Chief Minister while speaking on the prize distribution function of the 8th Himachal Pradesh Police Half Marathon-2018 on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking here.

Lauding the efforts of the police for organising the event, he said the efforts should be made to eradicate drug menace. “It is only through the collective efforts and people’s participation that we can combat drug menace which is a major social vice,” he stressed.

Thakur said though tough penalty against all those making profit from the drugs trade had been ensured, at the same time, a powerful message needed to be be sent out that drug profiteering was a heinous and punishable crime.

He said a special awareness campaign regarding the ill-effects of drugs should be launched in educational institutions.

The Chief Minister said there was little difference between ‘Nasha’ (Drug abuse) and ‘Nash’ (destruction). The parents should also keep a vigil on their children. He distributed prizes to the winners in different categories.

Het Ram won the half-marathon (male) and Ritu was declared winner of half-marathon (female). Similarly, the winner of mini-marathon (male) and (female) were Vijay Kumar and Amandeep Kaur.

He also inaugurated a painting competition. Vishuda Sood of Loreto Convent Tara Hall stood first.

Director General of Police Sita Ram Mardi said the main objective of such event was to spread awareness regarding ill-effects of drug abuse.

He said 230 kg of charas had been seized from drug peddlers this year.

Director General, Narcotic Control Bureau, New Delhi, Abhay, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Amit Kashyap, former DGP Rati Ram Verma and other senior police officers were present on the occasion.